Best Chicken Marinades
Discover the best chicken marinades that bring bold flavor and juicy results every time. From zesty lemon herb to smoky chipotle and honey soy, these easy marinades are perfect for grilling, baking, or meal prep!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
3 hours hrs
Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Dinner, Meal Prep, Grilling
Cuisine American-Mexican
1. Classic Lemon Herb Best Chicken Marinades (200–230 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2. Honey Mustard Best Chicken Marinades (220–250 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Teriyaki Best Chicken Marinades (240–270 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. Spicy Cajun Marinade (200–230 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
5. Garlic and Parmesan Best Chicken Marinades (230–260 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
6. Buttermilk Marinade (200–230 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
7. Balsamic Vinegar Marinade (210–240 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
8. Yogurt and Curry Marinade (220–250 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
9. BBQ Marinade (240–270 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
10. Pineapple Ginger Marinade (230–260 kcal)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey