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Perfect Chicken Marinade Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

This Perfect Chicken Marinade recipe offers a flavorful and easy way to infuse your chicken with a tangy, savory blend of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic. It enhances the natural taste of chicken while keeping it juicy and tender, ideal for baking, pan-searing, or grilling. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this versatile marinade allows you to customize with herbs and spices to suit your palate.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes (minimum marinating and cooking time)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or omit if cooking over high heat)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or 1-2 teaspoons dried herbs (parsley, rosemary, oregano)

Chicken

  • 1–1.5 lbs chicken (any cut: boneless or bone-in)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or plastic bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and any optional spices or herbs you prefer. Mix thoroughly to integrate all the flavors.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken to the sealed bag or container with the marinade. Make sure the chicken is completely coated by sealing and shaking or mixing well. Refrigerate and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 12 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
  3. Bake the Chicken (Easiest Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake boneless chicken for 15 to 25 minutes and bone-in chicken for 35 to 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Pan-Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of a high-heat oil like avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, adjusting time according to thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight if possible.
  • If cooking over high heat, omit garlic to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Customize the marinade by adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil for varied flavor profiles.
  • Leftover marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days before cooking.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes (average for boneless chicken baking)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/perfect-chicken-marinade-recipe/