If you are searching for a flavorful, juicy, and downright irresistible chicken dish to impress your family or friends, this Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with a perfect balance of tangy lemon, sweet honey, and savory garlic, this recipe transforms simple chicken breasts or thighs into a mouthwatering meal that’s grilled to perfection. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity — the ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding its own magic to the final dish. Getting these just right ensures a harmonious blend of flavors, vibrant color, and tender texture that everyone will love.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Your protein base, perfect for absorbing the marinade and grilling evenly.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Adds moisture and richness while helping the marinade coat the chicken beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Introduces a savory umami depth that complements the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with its fresh acidity and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Provides a gentle sweetness and beautifully caramelizes on the grill.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a punch of aromatic intensity that infuses every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Herbs bring an earthy, savory note to balance the marinade.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds mild warmth and a lovely reddish hue to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the marinade’s ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl or a zip-top bag, combine olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake things up until everything is perfectly blended and ready to work its magic on the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then pop it in the refrigerator. For best results, let it marinate for 4 to 6 hours, though an hour will still do in a pinch.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Get your grill fired up to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures a lovely char and juicy interior, locking all those beautiful marinade flavors inside each chicken piece.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Take your chicken out of the marinade, letting any extra drip off to avoid flare-ups. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. You want a nice char while making sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy perfection.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tender when you slice into it.
How to Serve Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make a huge difference. Consider sprinkling chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh pop of color and brightness. Thin lemon wedges alongside add a pleasant citrus burst that complements the marinade perfectly.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a summer salad, grilled vegetables, or herbed rice. For a cozy dinner, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes. Each side enhances the experience without overpowering the chicken’s delicious flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced atop a bed of quinoa with roasted veggies for a wholesome bowl or pile it onto warm tortillas with avocado and salsa to create mouthwatering wraps. You can even dice leftover grilled chicken for protein-packed salads or hearty sandwiches the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, making for even tastier sandwiches or salads later on.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll maintain best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating to keep moisture intact.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can bring back some juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that bone-in pieces may take longer to cook through. Adjust your grilling time accordingly and use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature.
How long can I marinate the chicken without it getting mushy?
Up to 6 hours is ideal for this recipe. The acidity from the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken if left too long, which may affect texture.
Can I grill this chicken indoors on a grill pan?
Yes, a grill pan works well if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just preheat the pan and cook as you would on a grill, but watch closely to prevent sticking or burning.
Is this Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce. Always check your soy sauce label if gluten is a concern.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just whisk again before adding the chicken to keep everything combined.
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves a juicy, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and versatile. The blend of fresh, sweet, and savory ingredients creates an unforgettable grilled chicken that you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to something truly delicious tonight!
Print
Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This marinated grilled chicken recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken breasts or thighs soaked in a tangy and sweet marinade with olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and aromatic spices. Perfect for summer grilling, it offers an easy, gluten-free, and dairy-free main course that is quick to prepare and deliciously charred to perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors thoroughly.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and proper cooking temperature for the chicken.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place them on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a nicely charred exterior.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- This marinade works equally well with both chicken breasts and thighs, providing juicy and flavorful results.
- For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Leftover grilled chicken is excellent for salads, wraps, or meal prepping throughout the week.
