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The Ultimate All-Purpose Zesty Chicken Marinade for Juicy Results

Close-up of juicy, caramelized chicken thighs showing the results of the zesty chicken marinade.
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This easy chicken marinade uses simple ingredients to deliver bold, zesty flavor and guarantees tender, juicy chicken every time you grill, bake, or pan-sear.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, basil, pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes until fully combined. This creates your flavorful chicken marinade.
  2. Place 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken (breasts or thighs) into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish. For best results and marinating chicken for tenderness, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
  5. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
  6. Cook the chicken using your preferred method: grill over medium heat, bake at 400°F (200°C), pan-sear, or air fry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • This recipe works well for chicken breast or chicken thigh marinade.
  • For freezer friendly chicken marinades, place the raw chicken and marinade together in a freezer-safe bag and freeze flat. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • This is an easy chicken marinade that requires simple ingredients found in most pantries.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/easy-zesty-chicken-marinade-for-juicy-cook/