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Easy Chicken Breast Marinade for Juicy Grilled Chicken

Looking for The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe? This flavor-packed Chicken Marinade combines brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs to create juicy, tender chicken every time. Perfect as an Easy Marinade For Chicken, this versatile recipe works for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe, Chicken Breast Marinade, Easy Marinade For Chicken, Grilled Chicken Marinades
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 113kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar (or any vinegar you like)
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅛ cup lemon juice
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 2 tbsp Dijon or Spicy Brown mustard
  • 1 ½ tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 6 chicken breasts (or 3.5 lbs of chicken)

Instructions

How to Make It

  • Mix Up the Magic
    In a big bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients. Scoop out ½ cup and set it aside for later (this will be used for basting).
  • Marinate the Chicken
    Toss the chicken into a large resealable bag
    .Pour the marinade over it and massage it gently so every piece gets coated.
    Seal it up tight!
    Short on time? Poke a few holes in the chicken with a fork to help it soak up the flavors faster.
  • Let It Soak
    Minimum: 30 minutes (still awesome).
    Perfect: 4 to 6 hours.
    Maximum: 24 hours (for ultimate flavor).

How to Cook It

  • Grill It
    1️⃣ Preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
    2️⃣ Take the chicken out of the marinade (let the excess drip off).
    3️⃣ Grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F).
    4️⃣ Baste with the reserved marinade while cooking for extra flavor.
    5️⃣ Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
  • Bake It
    1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F.
    2️⃣ Place the marinated chicken on a shallow baking sheet.
    3️⃣ Bake for 18 to 22 minutes (or 450°F for 15 to 18 minutes if you’re in a hurry).
    4️⃣ Baste occasionally for extra juiciness.
    5️⃣ Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Stovetop
    1️⃣ Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly grease it.
    2️⃣ Cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes per side, until it reaches 165°F.
    3️⃣ Let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve!
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Bonus Flavor Boost

Want extra sauce? Take the reserved marinade, bring it to a boil, and let it simmer until slightly thickened. Drizzle over your chicken for a mouthwatering finish!

Pro Tips:

  • The longer you marinate, the better the flavor!
  • Always let your chicken rest before slicing—it locks in the juices.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken

Nutrition

Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 1041mg
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