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The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe 39.png

The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe for Juicy Grilled Breasts

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๐Ÿ— This marinade turns simple chicken breasts into juicy, flavorful grilled perfection with tangy balsamic and savory soy.
๐Ÿ”ฅ Brown sugar caramelizes for sticky glaze while lemon keeps meat tender.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: pinch of salt

Instructions

1-Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until sugar dissolves (30 seconds), then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until smooth and stir in dried herbs and pepper. Optionally reserve 1/4 cup before using on chicken and boil reserved portion at least 3 minutes after cooking.

2-Marinate the Chicken: Place 6 chicken breasts in zip-top bag or glass dish, pour marinade over, seal and massage to coat evenly, then refrigerate 4-8 hours (minimum 30 minutes, maximum 24 hours). Before cooking, let sit out 15 minutes and pat each breast dry with paper towels.

3-Grill to Perfection: Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450ยฐF), oil grates with oiled paper towel; place dried chicken on grates, cook 5-6 minutes per side to 165ยฐF internal temperature checking thickest part, brush with reserved marinade in last minutes, then rest 5 minutes before slicing.

4-Oven-Baked Alternative: Preheat oven to 400ยฐF and line baking sheet; arrange dry chicken breasts in single layer, bake 20-25 minutes flipping halfway to 165ยฐF, then broil last 2-3 minutes for caramelized finish watching closely.

5-Pan-Searing on the Stovetop: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high with 1 tablespoon oil; place dry chicken in pan and sear 6-7 minutes per side to 165ยฐF.

Last Step:

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Notes

๐Ÿ— Pat chicken dry before cooking for crispy sear and caramelized crust.
๐Ÿ”ฅ Use meat thermometer to confirm 165ยฐF internal temperature.
โณ Marinate 4-8 hours max to prevent mushy texture from acidity.

  • Author: Thyme Louise
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinate: 4 to 8 hours
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg