The secret to tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful grilled chicken lies in the marinade. So, in this article, I’m sharing the best recipes for you to try!
1. Grilled Chicken Marinade for Salad
Grilled chicken is a must-have in my salad recipes, and I want it to stand out. How do I make that happen? I marinate it in a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and a mix of herbs and spices.
To get the full recipe, click here.
2. Best Grilled Chicken Sandwich Marinade
If you want to make a grilled chicken sandwich that’s way better than anything from a fast-food joint or restaurant, you need to soak it in oil, honey, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin for a few hours!
If you want the complete recipe, click here.
3. Grilled Chicken Leg Marinade
Although chicken legs are quite flavorful on their own, they can taste so much better with the right marinade. And a little bit of soy sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce goes a long way!
Want the full recipe? Click here.
4. Grilled Chicken Kabobs Marinade
There are countless ways to season grilled chicken kabobs, but my favorite way is to soak them in this Middle-Eastern-inspired marinade. It’s fresh, zesty, and incredibly flavorful!
Check out the full recipe: click here!
5. Grilled Chicken Tenders Marinade
Grilled chicken tenders are a go-to for quick and easy meals, especially on those lazy nights when you just want something simple. But how do you keep things fresh and exciting?
The answer: marinate them. This little trick is a great way to change up your routine and bring in new flavors.
Want to know my favorite marinade for grilled chicken tenders? Click here.
6. Grilled Chicken Tacos Marinade
You can’t have tacos de pollo without perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, and I’ve got the perfect recipe!
Inspired by traditional taco flavors, this marinade is exactly what you need to create the best chicken tacos ever!
If you want the full recipe, click here.
7. Grilled Chicken with Greek Marinade
If you’re looking for a grilled chicken marinade that’s sweet, tangy, earthy, and a whole lot refreshing, then this one’s for you. It’s packed with the classic Greek flavors you know and love!
For the step-by-step guide, click here.
8. Italian Grilled Chicken Marinade
This marinade contains red wine vinegar, which helps tenderize the chicken, making it incredibly soft and juicy. It’s also got dried herbs, lemon, and honey to bring a taste of Italy to your dish.
Want the full recipe? Click here.
9. Best Grilled Chicken Thigh Marinade
This recipe starts with a simple base of balsamic vinegar, mustard, and soy sauce. Then, we mix in brown sugar, lemon, garlic, and dried rosemary to create a marinade that has a lot of depth in flavor!
For the complete instructions, click here.
10. Grilled Chicken Breast Marinade
If you’re tired of dry, bland chicken breasts, you’re in for a treat! This marinade not only infuses them with savory, herby flavors but also doubles as a tenderizer. Talk about a double win!
To get the full recipe, click here.
11. Grilled Chicken Fajita Marinade
This grilled chicken fajita marinade is an absolute crowd-pleaser! It’s packed with bold flavors, easy to make, and has a quick prep time.
Best of all, you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry!
So, if you’re ready to get started on this recipe, click here.
12. Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Marinade
Drumsticks are a classic BBQ dish, so it’s only fitting to pair them with a marinade that imparts sweet, savory, and smoky flavors to match the theme!
Made with brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic cloves, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt & pepper, and a pinch of cayenne, this recipe is perfect for your next cookout!
Get the full details: click here.
13. Balsamic Grilled Chicken Marinade
Balsamic vinegar is a fantastic addition to your marinade for two reasons: (1) it adds a nice tang, subtle sweetness, and tantalizing flavor, and (2) it works double-time to tenderize your chicken.
That said, this is your secret weapon for achieving perfectly tasty and tender results every time!
Want to make this recipe at home? Click here.
14. Teriyaki Chicken Grilled Marinade
Think of this as a simplified version of teriyaki sauce. It features just 4 ingredients: reduced-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and fresh garlic.
Even though it doesn’t include sake and mirin — typical components for traditional teriyaki sauce — you’ll still end up with a rich, savory, salty, sweet, and sticky marinade!
Check out the full recipe: click here.
15. Lemon Grilled Chicken Marinade
If you love bright and fresh flavors, you’re going to fall in love with this one.
I typically use it to make a zesty Mediterranean chicken salad because it’s loaded with lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and lots of fresh herbs.
If you want to learn how to make this marinade, click here.
16. Grilled Chicken Quarters Marinade
This big chunk of chicken deserves equally big, bold flavors, so we’re taking inspiration from Southwestern cuisine with a marinade that combines lemon, cilantro, cumin, and oregano.
Try this recipe out! Click here.
17. Spicy Mexican Grilled Chicken Marinade
For those of you who love a little heat, this spicy Mexican marinade is packed with smoky chipotle, tangy lime, and fresh cilantro that will take your grilled chicken from 0 to 100 real quick!
Want the complete recipe? Click here.
18. Grilled Chicken Wings with Honey Mustard Marinade
This is a classic combo that never fails when it comes to chicken wings. Its flavor profile strikes the perfect balance of sweet and punchy, making each bite absolutely irresistible!
Are you ready to give this recipe a try? Click here.
19. Grilled Chicken with Caesar Salad Marinade
Caesar salad is one of my all-time favorite appetizers. So, when I discovered it could double as a marinade, I was ALL. FOR. IT!
I couldn’t wait to give it a shot — and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. The marinade turned out creamy and rich, making my grilled chicken incredibly tasty and tender!
For the full recipe breakdown, click here.
Give These Grilled Chicken Marinades a Try!
Marinating your chicken before grilling is the secret to achieving the best taste and texture. With these recipes, you can experiment with a variety of flavors to bring something new to the table.
Featured image credit to @chilipeppermadness.
