17 Best Marinades for Chicken Dishes

Lemon Herb Garlic Marinade

This Lemon Herb Garlic Marinade adds a burst of zesty flavor to your favorite meats, transforming them into a succulent and aromatic dish.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking method:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
2. Add the minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
3. Stir all the ingredients until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
4. Place your chosen meat in a resealable plastic bag or a glass dish, then pour the marinade over it.
5. Seal the bag or cover the dish, making sure to thoroughly coat the meat with the marinade.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
7. Before cooking, remove the meat from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
8. Grill, bake, or pan-sear the meat to your preferred doneness, enjoying the herbaceous and tangy aroma as it cooks.

This simple yet flavorful marinade is perfect for enlivening chicken, beef, or fish, turning a simple meal into a gourmet experience. Enjoy the vibrant taste and aroma!

Spicy Sriracha and Honey Marinade

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this spicy and sweet marinade will take your chicken dish to the next level.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking method:

1. Mix the Sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Whisk until the honey is completely dissolved.
3. Coat chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring even coverage.
4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Grill or bake the chicken as desired.

Tangy Balsamic and Herb Marinade

This balsamic-based marinade offers a tangy and aromatic boost to your chicken, suitable for an elegant dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Stir until the marinade is smooth and consistent.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well covered.
4. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours.
5. Roast or pan-fry the chicken to perfection.

Zesty Lime Cilantro Marinade

This vibrant marinade is bursting with fresh flavors, ideal for a refreshing chicken dish.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Immerse the chicken in the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
5. Cook your chicken using your method of choice.

Classic Lemon Herb Marinade

This timeless marinade infuses your chicken with a zesty and fragrant blend, perfect for grilling or baking.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk together until well blended.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
5. Cook the chicken using your preferred method.

Smoky Chipotle Marinade

Give your chicken a smoky, southwestern flair with this chipotle-infused marinade.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking method:

1. Mix chipotle peppers, olive oil, lime juice, honey, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
2. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Coat the chicken with the marinade, ensuring even distribution.
4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Grill or bake the chicken to achieve a smoky finish.

Savory Teriyaki Marinade

Bring a taste of the East to your kitchen with this savory and sweet teriyaki marinade.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Cooking method:

1. Blend soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth.
3. Pour over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
4. Marinate for at least 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Cook the chicken using your preferred method.

Sweet Maple Dijon Marinade

This delightful marinade combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of Dijon mustard for a delightful twist.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until the marinade is smooth and creamy.
3. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade.
4. Allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
5. Bake or grill the chicken for a sweet and tangy meal.

Tropical Coconut Curry Marinade

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this creamy coconut curry marinade that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking method:

1. Combine coconut milk, curry powder, lime juice, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Stir until the mixture is well blended.
3. Coat the chicken pieces with the marinade.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
5. Cook the chicken using your preferred method for a taste of the tropics.

Garlic Ginger Soy Marinade

This Asian-inspired marinade is a simple yet flavorful way to enhance your chicken dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking method:

1. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and honey in a bowl.
2. Whisk until the honey is fully integrated.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
4. Allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours.
5. Grill or sauté the chicken for a delightful Asian-inspired dish.

Spicy Mango Marinade

Add a tropical flair to your chicken with this sweet and spicy mango marinade.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking method

1. Blend mango pieces in a blender until smooth.
2. Mix in soy sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, garlic, and honey.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure it’s evenly coated.
4. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before grilling or baking.

Greek Yogurt and Dill Marinade

This creamy and tangy marinade infuses a delightful flavor into your chicken, making it irresistibly tender.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and garlic.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade.
4. Marinate for a minimum of 2 hours in the fridge before cooking.

Honey Mustard Marinade

This classic honey mustard marinade combines sweet and tangy flavors to enhance any chicken recipe.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and paprika in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 1 hour.
4. Cook the chicken using your preferred method.

Teriyaki Ginger Sesame Marinade

Impart a savory and slightly sweet Asian flair to your chicken with this teriyaki ginger sesame marinade.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Cooking method

1. Mix soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl.
2. Pour over chicken, ensuring even coverage.
3. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill or bake the chicken until done.

Coconut Curry Marinade

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of a coconut curry marinade that transforms chicken into a delightful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• Salt to taste

Cooking method

1. Combine coconut milk, curry powder, lime juice, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Add salt to taste.
3. Thoroughly coat the chicken with the marinade.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cooking.

Balsamic Rosemary Marinade

This marinade offers a mix of sweet and savory notes, punctuated by the aromatic essence of rosemary.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, rosemary, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
4. Marinate for at least 1 hour before grilling or roasting.

Maple Dijon Marinade

A delightful blend of maple and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour over the chicken, ensuring even coating.
4. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour before cooking.

These unique marinades are a simple way to elevate your chicken recipes, transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Enjoy experimenting with these flavors and find your new favorite marinade today!