Introduction

Oh, hey there, friend! Do you ever find yourself staring into the fridge, craving something delicious but just can’t seem to muster up the energy for a complicated meal? I totally get it. That’s why I’m so excited to share this chicken marinade recipe with you today. It’s the kind of recipe that makes even a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion. Seriously, it’s so simple to whip up, and the flavor it imparts to chicken is just out-of-this-world good. Get ready to impress yourself (and anyone you’re cooking for!) because this marinade is a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in minutes to get your chicken marinating.
Easy: Just combine and pour! No fancy techniques required.
Giftable: Make a batch and give it to a friend – they’ll thank you!
Crowd-pleasing: Even picky eaters will devour chicken marinated in this.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need for this magical chicken marinade:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil: Our base for richness and helping all those yummy flavors meld together.
½ cup balsamic vinegar: For that delightful tangy sweetness that balances everything out.
¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended): Adds a savory depth and umami punch. Using low sodium is a good idea so you can control the saltiness better.
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce: Another secret weapon for complex, savory flavor. A little goes a long way!
⅛ cup lemon juice: A touch of brightness to cut through the richness. Freshly squeezed is always best if you have it!
¾ cup brown sugar: This is key for that irresistible sweet and caramelized finish, especially when grilling or roasting.
2 teaspoons dried rosemary: An aromatic herb that pairs beautifully with chicken.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the marinade.
1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: For that classic touch of spice.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Because is anything really complete without garlic? I think not!
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 3.5 lbs total): The star of our show! This marinade is perfect for chicken breasts, but I’ve also used it on thighs with delicious results.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get this flavor party started! It’s seriously as simple as this:

Combine Everything: Grab a medium-sized bowl or a sturdy zip-top bag (the gallon-sized ones are perfect for this). Add all of your ingredients – the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, rosemary, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Whisk or Shake: If you’re using a bowl, grab a whisk and give it a good mix until everything is nicely combined and the brown sugar has dissolved. If you’re using a zip-top bag, just seal it up and give it a good shake until it’s all married together.
Add the Chicken: Now, nestle those chicken breasts into the marinade. Make sure they’re all swimming happily and coated thoroughly. If you’re using a bag, just squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing it.
Marinate Away: Pop the bowl (covered with plastic wrap) or the sealed bag into the refrigerator. For a quick flavor boost, aim for at least 30 minutes. But if you have a little more time, marinating for 1 to 2 hours is where the magic really happens. You can even go up to 4 hours, but I find the 1-2 hour window gives you the most tender, juicy chicken without the texture changing too much.

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but I love playing around with it! Here are some ideas:

Vinegar Swap: Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in place of balsamic if you’re out.
Soy Sauce Alternative: Coconut aminos are a great gluten-free and soy-free option.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Herb Heaven: Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped, can be used instead of dried for an even more vibrant flavor.
Garlic Lover? Toss in a couple of minced fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder.
Onion Power: A tablespoon or two of minced onion or onion powder would be delicious too!

Tips for Success

Here are a few little things I’ve learned that make this marinade even better:

Don’t Over-Marinate: While it’s tempting to leave chicken in marinade for ages, acidic marinades can start to break down the chicken fibers, making them mushy. Stick to the 30 minutes to 4-hour window for the best texture.
Use a Non-Reactive Bowl: If you’re marinating in a bowl, make sure it’s glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. Avoid aluminum, as it can react with the ingredients.
Prep Ahead: You can make the marinade itself a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready, just toss in the chicken!
Discard Leftover Marinade: It’s super important to discard any marinade that has touched raw chicken. If you want to use some of the marinade as a sauce, reserve a portion before adding the raw chicken.

How to Store It

Once your chicken is marinated and cooked, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s still delicious cold in salads or sandwiches!

FAQs

Got some burning questions? I’ve got you covered!

Q: Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

A: Absolutely! This marinade is fantastic on pork tenderloin, shrimp, or even firm tofu. Just adjust the marinating time accordingly – seafood and tofu don’t need as long as chicken.

Q: How long can I marinate chicken in this?

A: For the best texture and flavor, I recommend marinating for 1-2 hours. You can go up to 4 hours, but any longer might make the chicken a bit too soft.

Q: Can I grill chicken marinated with this?

A: Yes! The brown sugar in the marinade helps create a beautiful caramelization on the grill. Just be mindful of flare-ups from the sugar and oil.

Q: Does this marinade have gluten?

A: The soy sauce typically contains wheat, so if you need a gluten-free version, be sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

The BEST Chicken Marinade

This simple chicken marinade recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. It's fast, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Servings 6 chicken breasts

Equipment

Medium-sized bowl or a sturdy zip-top bag
Whisk if using a bowl
zip-top bag gallon-sized, if using
Plastic wrap if using a bowl

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
0.25 cup low sodium soy sauce
0.25 cup Worcestershire sauce
0.125 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed is best
0.75 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard
1.5 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder

Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 3.5 lbs total

Instructions

Combine all marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl or a sturdy zip-top bag.
0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
If using a bowl, whisk until combined and brown sugar has dissolved. If using a bag, seal and shake well.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are coated thoroughly. If using a bag, remove excess air before sealing.
0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for 1-2 hours for best results. You can marinate for up to 4 hours.

Notes

Discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken. If you wish to use some as a sauce, reserve a portion before adding the chicken.