If you’re looking for the perfect easy grilled chicken marinade, you’re in the right place. This recipe has become a staple in our home! It has simple ingredients, big flavor, and it always delivers juicy, delicious chicken straight off the grill. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this easy meal prep marinade is our go-to for adding that savory goodness the whole family loves. Just mix, marinate, and grill—it’s that easy!
Why You’ll Love This?
Perfect for Meal Prep – Grill once, eat all week long in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
Simple Ingredients – Made with basic pantry staples you likely already have.
Quick to Make – Just whisk, pour, and marinate—no fancy steps required.
Versatile – Works great with breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even kabobs.
What you need to make this easy grilled chicken marinade + substitutions:
- Chicken– Use breasts, thighs, or drumsticks depending on preference. Bone-in or boneless both work well.
- Olive oil– Acts as the fat base, helping flavors soak in and keeping the chicken juicy. You can also use avocado oil.
- Lemon juice– Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken. You can also use lime juice.
- Balsamic vinegar– Brings sweet tang and depth to this easy grilled chicken marinade.
- Brown sugar (light or dark)– Balances acidity and adds subtle caramel notes when grilled. You can swap with honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- Dijon mustard– Adds a mild tang and helps emulsify the marinade. You can substitute with stoneground mustard or yellow mustard.
- Sea Salt– We use Redmond sea salt, it’s our favorite and we use it in everything! You can use the code daddioskitchen for 15% off. We get the big big bag!
- Garlic powder– Gives warm, savory depth without fresh garlic’s bite. You can also use 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic to this marinade.
- Dried basil– Brings mild, sweet herbal notes.
- Dried parsley– Adds an earthy, slightly peppery layer of flavor.
- Paprika- Adds a great flavor and color to the meat.
- Black pepper- Adds a gentle kick and balances the sweet notes.
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Alright, let’s get to making the recipe! Enjoy!
Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken breast
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- 1 juice of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 3 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl. Pour over chicken in a bag or a bowl.
- Let it marinate for at least 1-2 hours but ideally 12-24 hours. The longer the better!
- Grill, serve with sides and enjoy!