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The Best All-Purpose Juicy Chicken Marinade

Close-up of perfectly cooked, sliced chicken breast showing juicy interior and seasoned crust from the chicken marinade.
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This recipe provides a foundational, versatile marinade that keeps chicken breast or thighs juicy and flavorful, suitable for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt until well combined.
  2. Place your chicken pieces (about 1.5 to 2 pounds) into a large zip-top bag or a non-reactive dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best results. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours if using lemon juice.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discard the excess liquid, and cook using your preferred method (grill, bake, or pan-sear).

Notes

  • For a freezer-friendly marinade, mix all ingredients and freeze in a freezer bag with the chicken. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • If you prefer a sweeter flavor for grilling, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the mixture.
  • This marinade works well for chicken breasts, thighs, or cutlets. Adjust marinating time based on thickness.

Nutrition

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