Grilled Chicken Marinade

Grilled Chicken Marinade: A Flavor-Packed Recipe for Juicy Chicken

If you’re looking to elevate your grilled chicken game, this Grilled Chicken Marinade is a must-try. Packed with a blend of tangy balsamic vinegar, savory soy and Worcestershire sauce, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and the aromatic flavor of fresh rosemary, this marinade will transform your chicken into a tender, flavorful dish. Whether you’re planning a BBQ, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this easy-to-make marinade ensures delicious results every time.

Ingredients

• ½ cup oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 cup lemon juice
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 6 chicken breasts (or 3.5 lb of chicken)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large ziplock bag, combine all the ingredients except for the chicken. Seal the bag and mix everything by massaging the bag gently with your hands until the marinade is fully combined.

2. Add the Chicken

1. Add the chicken breasts to the bag, making sure they are fully submerged in the marinade.
2. Seal the bag tightly, then place it in a large bowl to prevent any possible leaks during marination.

3. Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the bowl with the marinated chicken in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, for the best flavor.
2. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

4. Grill the Chicken

1. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid, and grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the breasts. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
3. For extra flavor, season the chicken with salt after grilling to enhance the seasoning balance.

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 8 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh rosemary creates a marinade that infuses your chicken with incredible flavor.
• Tender & Juicy: Marinating the chicken for at least 8 hours allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
• Versatile: This marinade works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or even wings, making it a versatile go-to recipe for grilling season.

Tips for Success

• Marinate Overnight: For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight. This gives the flavors time to fully soak into the meat, making the chicken even more delicious.
• Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can result in dry chicken, so watch it closely as it grills.
• Extra Salt After Grilling: Adding a sprinkle of salt after grilling helps balance out the sweetness and tanginess from the marinade, creating a perfectly seasoned dish.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with Grilled Veggies: Serve the grilled chicken alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy, balanced meal.
• Meal Prep: Make extra grilled chicken to use in salads, wraps, or sandwiches throughout the week. It’s a perfect meal prep option that stays flavorful.
• Serve with a Side of Rice: For a more filling meal, pair the chicken with a side of rice or quinoa, which will soak up any leftover juices from the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Marinade is a game-changer for anyone who loves juicy, flavorful chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or prepping meals for the week, this marinade is quick to prepare and works its magic as the chicken marinates. With a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, this is a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a perfectly seasoned, mouthwatering meal!

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