This chicken marinade is the magic potion for delicious, juicy chicken! It’s easy to whip up with just few ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and honey, bringing amazing flavors to your meal.
I usually let the chicken soak in this mixture for a couple of hours or even overnight—trust me, it’s worth the wait! 😊 It gives such a tasty kick; your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Soy Sauce: This adds depth and umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, try tamari instead. For a lighter flavor, coconut aminos make a great substitute!
Olive Oil: It adds richness and helps the flavors blend. Feel free to use avocado oil if you prefer a neutral taste or are avoiding olive oil.
Honey: Honey brings sweetness and balances the soy sauce’s saltiness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity, brightening the marinade. If you’re out, white vinegar or lemon juice work well too but will change the flavor slightly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives an aromatic kick. If you don’t have fresh, use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
Dijon Mustard: This lends a nice tang. You can substitute it with yellow mustard or omit it if you don’t have any on hand.
Smoked Paprika: Optional, but this adds a hint of smokiness. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can give a slight heat!
How Do I Marinade Chicken Properly?
Marinating chicken isn’t just about flavor; it’s also about achieving tenderness. Start by mixing your marinade well to combine all flavors. Don’t skip this step! Use a resealable bag for easy coating and less mess.
- Coat the chicken fully in the marinade, squeezing out excess air if using a bag.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4-6 hours for optimal flavor absorption. Overnight is great, but 24 hours max!
- When you’re ready to cook, shake off excess marinade to prevent burning during cooking.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, allowing the juices to redistribute for a juicy bite.
The Best Chicken Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the marinade and chicken, plus at least 1 hour to marinate (4-6 hours is ideal for best flavor!). Cooking will take an additional 12-15 minutes, making a total time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy your delicious marinated chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
Start by taking a medium bowl and whisking together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Make sure everything is well combined, creating a tasty marinade for your chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, grab your chicken (either breasts or thighs) and place it in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the delicious marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then pop it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, aim for 4-6 hours. If you’re planning to marinate overnight, don’t keep it longer than 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty or mushy.
3. Cook the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, heat up your grill or a skillet on medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill or pan-sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to stay juicy, then slice it up. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving—it’s a lovely touch!
Enjoy your deliciously marinated chicken!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Marinade?
Absolutely! This marinade works great with chicken breasts, thighs, or even whole chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time according to the cut you choose – thighs may need a few extra minutes compared to breasts.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re out of honey or prefer a different sweetener, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar in the same quantity. For a lower-calorie option, try using a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting to taste since they vary in sweetness.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Longer Than 24 Hours?
It’s best to stick to a maximum of 24 hours for marinating chicken in this recipe. Marinating any longer can lead to the chicken becoming too salty or mushy due to the acidic content of the marinade.
How to Store Leftover Marinade or Cooked Chicken?
For leftover marinade, it’s best to discard it after using it to marinate raw chicken for safety. If you have cooked chicken leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
