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Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins, and the secret to transforming it from ordinary to extraordinary lies in the marinade! These 8 delicious and easy-to-make marinades will elevate your chicken dishes, whether you’re grilling, baking, pan-searing, or roasting.
Each recipe is crafted for 1 to 2 pounds of chicken, offering a burst of unique flavors—from the sweet and savory notes of Asian Honey Marinade to the bold and zesty kick of Jalapeno Garlic Marinade. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy Nashville Hot chicken or a bright and herbaceous Cilantro Lime twist, there’s a marinade to match every craving.
Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or special occasions, these recipes are simple yet packed with flavor, giving your chicken the star treatment it deserves.
Get ready to take your chicken to the next level with these incredible marinades!
Asian Honey Marinade.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Marinate chicken for 1-4 hours for a sweet, savory, and umami flavor.
Jalapeno Garlic Marinade
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Mix ingredients well. Marinate chicken for 2-4 hours for a spicy and garlicky kick.
Italian Marinade
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Combine and marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Expect a classic, zesty Italian flavor.
Fajita Marinade
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
Whisk ingredients together. Marinate chicken for 1-3 hours to get the vibrant, tangy, and spiced fajita flavor.
Honey Mustard Marinade
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients. Marinate chicken for 1-2 hours. The result is sweet, tangy, and creamy.
Nashville Hot Marinade
Ingredients:
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup hot sauce
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
Combine ingredients, and marinate chicken for at least 1 hour. Expect spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet notes.
Teriyaki Marinade
Ingredients:
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons mirin (optional)
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Mix until sugar dissolves. Marinate chicken for 1-4 hours for a traditional, sweet-savory glaze.
Cilantro Lime Marinade
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours for a bright, zesty, and herbaceous flavor.
These marinades will elevate your chicken dishes, adding variety and bursts of flavor to your meals!