Grilled chicken is a staple in many households due to its versatility, flavor, and ease of preparation. One of the secrets to achieving the perfect grilled chicken is in the marinade. A well-balanced marinade not only infuses the chicken with delicious flavors but also helps in tenderizing the meat, ensuring a juicy and succulent bite every time. In this recipe, we will guide you through creating the best easy grilled chicken marinade that will elevate your grilling game and impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for the Best Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
How to Make the Best Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, dried basil, ground black pepper, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and form a smooth marinade.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more honey for sweetness, lemon juice for tanginess, or soy sauce for saltiness according to your preference.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly on the grill.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If you are using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are hot and covered with white ash.
- Prepare the Grill Grates: Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Step 4: Serve the Grilled Chicken
- Slice and Serve: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and serve them with your favorite side dishes. This grilled chicken pairs well with a fresh garden salad, grilled vegetables, or a light pasta dish.
- Garnish: For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, garnish the chicken with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
About the Main Ingredients
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a key ingredient in this marinade, providing a rich, fruity flavor and helping to keep the chicken moist during grilling. It also helps to carry and distribute the other flavors in the marinade evenly. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior taste and health benefits.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds a savory umami depth to the marinade. It acts as a tenderizer due to its salt content, which helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender texture. The salty and slightly sweet profile of soy sauce complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a bright and tangy flavor to the marinade. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to tenderize the chicken by breaking down its fibers. It also balances the richness of the olive oil and the sweetness of the honey.
Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy depth to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Its slightly syrupy consistency helps the marinade adhere well to the chicken, ensuring a flavorful crust when grilled.
Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the marinade with a robust and aromatic flavor. Garlic is a classic addition to marinades, providing a pungent kick that complements the other ingredients and enhances the overall taste of the grilled chicken.
Honey
Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness to the marinade, balancing the acidity of the lemon juice and balsamic vinegar. It also helps to caramelize the chicken as it grills, creating a beautiful and flavorful crust.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess and a bit of heat to the marinade. It acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend the oil and vinegar together into a cohesive mixture that coats the chicken evenly.
Herbs and Spices
The dried oregano and basil add a hint of herbal earthiness to the marinade, while the black pepper and salt enhance and balance all the flavors. These herbs and spices contribute to the depth and complexity of the marinade, making the grilled chicken irresistibly delicious.
In conclusion, this easy grilled chicken marinade combines a perfect balance of flavors and ingredients to create a delicious and tender grilled chicken. With a few simple steps and some patience, you can elevate your grilling game and enjoy a meal that is sure to be a hit with everyone. So fire up the grill and get ready to savor the best grilled chicken you’ve ever made!
