Description
This Best Grilled Chicken Marinade recipe offers a flavorful and juicy way to prepare chicken breasts, combining olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Perfectly marinated and grilled to tender perfection, it’s a quick and healthy meal option that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and even cooking of the chicken breasts.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, transfer chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it tender and juicy before serving.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken is grilled to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can swap honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; add more smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Leftover marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
