This chicken marinade is simple and bursting with flavor! Made with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs, it keeps the chicken juicy and delicious.
I love how easy it is to whip this up and let the chicken soak in the goodness. Just toss everything in a bag and fridge, and you’re all set! Cooking has never been this tasty! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken for its juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute skinless chicken for a healthier, leaner option, though the skin does add a nice crispness when grilled.
Olive Oil: This is a great base for your marinade, adding moisture and flavor. If you’re out, avocado oil or vegetable oil will work just as well and won’t alter the taste significantly.
Soy Sauce: It brings a salty, umami touch. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is an excellent substitute. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter alternative.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds tanginess. White vinegar or lemon juice can easily replace it, just adjust the amount to your taste!
Honey: This gives a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Maple syrup is a solid alternative for a vegan option.
Herbs (Rosemary and Thyme): Fresh herbs really lift the flavor. If you only have dried, simply use less (about a third of the amount) as their flavor is more concentrated. I often add a pinch of Italian seasoning for extra depth.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Is Well Marinated?
Getting that flavor into the chicken requires a bit of time and technique. Here’s how to ensure every bite is packed with taste:
- Marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to really soak in.
- Use a resealable bag or shallow dish for marinating. The more surface area the chicken has in contact with the marinade, the better!
- Make sure to coat all pieces generously. You can even massage the marinade into the chicken for deeper flavor absorption.
After marinating, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This step helps cook the chicken evenly.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Marinade?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 4 chicken drumsticks
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 2 hours (or ideally overnight) for marinating in the fridge. Then, it takes about 15-20 minutes to grill the chicken. So in total, plan for a delicious grilled chicken feast with a bit of advance time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until combined. This will be the flavorful marinade that enhances the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken thighs and drumsticks and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish, then pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours—or better yet, overnight—so all those yummy flavors soak in!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade; it has done its job! Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want those nice grill marks and for the chicken to be fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
4. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Pair it with your favorite sides, like corn on the cob or a refreshing salad. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead of bone-in pieces. Just reduce the grilling time to about 4-5 minutes per side, as boneless cuts cook faster.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even lemon juice for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. If marinating for longer than 2 hours, overnight is preferred to really enhance the flavor; just avoid going beyond a full day to prevent the chicken from becoming too tender.
How to Store Leftover Marinated Chicken?
If you have leftover marinated chicken (before cooking), store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If you have cooked chicken leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in the oven to maintain moisture.
