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Grilled chicken pieces, infused with the best chicken marinade recipe, are garnished with lemon slices and parsley on a light blue plate. The dish rests on a gray surface, accompanied by whole lemons and a striped cloth in the corner.
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4.60 from 5 votes

Best Chicken Marinade

What if I told you the Best Chicken Marinade recipe is probably something you are already making for your salads? My families homemade Italian dressing is my secret to the easiest most delicious chicken marinade recipe.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Marinade Time1 day
Total Time30 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Best Chicken Marinade, Best Chicken Marinade Recipe, Chicken Marinade Recipe, Homemade Italian Dressing
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Sammy Montgoms

Ingredients

  • 1 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced - if I am using this as a salad dressing I use 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp onion salt
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/8 tsp dried thyme
  • chicken thighs, drums, or breasts the amount of marinade you add will depend on how much chicken you are preparing
  • salt to season the chicken
  • black pepper to season the chicken
  • garlic powder to season the chicken
  • onion powder to season the chicken
  • paprika to season the chicken

Instructions

  • Begin by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
    Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and set aside.
  • In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine all of the marinades ingredients.
  • Whisk until well combined.
  • Add your chicken to a shallow baking dish or bowl and pour over enough marinade to just cover the chicken.
    The chicken should be submerged in the marinade, but not drowning in it.
    Move the chicken around to ensure it's evenly coated.
    Any extra marinade can be stored in the fridge for another time or repurposed as a flavorful salad dressing.
    Keep the remaining marinade in the fridge for up to 7 days.
    *Because this marinade contains olive oil, it may solidify when refrigerated. This is normal. Simply allow the chicken/marinade to come to room temperature before cooking.
  • Marinade the chicken overnight or as little as 45 minutes.
  • Bake, fry, or grill.
    Once your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F it's ready.
    *I typically use boneless skinless thighs, and bake them at 425 °F for 20-25 minutes.

Video

Notes

Acid: swap the white vinegar for red wine vinegar, or add extra fresh lemon juice.
Herbs: add your favourite herbs such as parsley, or thyme.

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 52IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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