This is easily the best chicken marinade recipe that I have to share. So simple to prepare and so much flavor.
The Best Chicken Marinade
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
If you’re looking for the best chicken marinade then search no further.

I’ve been making this one for years and it’s my absolute favorite.
So easy to make and oh so much flavor.
Every ingredient plays a part in this marinade.
I love simple to make recipes like this.

Sometimes it’s so nice to plan a little bit ahead and let those incredible flavors really penetrate the meat.
Little effort for a big pay off if you ask me.
I make this chicken marinade for family dinners all the time.

My family loves this recipe.
I also really like to these to BBQ’s because they’re so easy to toss right on the grill.

The chicken thighs really hold onto all of the flavors in the marinade and they come out so juicy every time.

This one is always a hit when I make it.
I know if you give it a try that you’ll love this chicken marinade recipe, too. It really is the best.
Other Simple Marinades
If you like simple but delicious marinades like this one, here are a few more you’ll love, too.

Do I have to use chicken thighs?
Technically no you do not have to use chicken thighs but I do recommend them.
Chicken breasts or tenderloins would work here, too.

Chicken thighs are fattier then chicken breast and stay juicer when they’re being cooked.
It’s almost impossible to overcook them.

If you’d like to use chicken breasts go ahead though. It’s up to you.
What to serve on the side with the best chicken marinade
There are so many options to serve with this chicken.
First, a vegetable would be a great addition.

Ranch butter corn, Mexican street corn casserole or roasted garlic and Parmesan broccoli would all be fantastic.
Next I’d add a carb of some kind. like a pasta, rice or potato.

Try penne alla vodka or fettuccini Alfredo.
Crispy oven roasted potatoes or garlic Parmesan fries would be delicious, too.

The sides you choose for this are completely up to you of course.
These are my suggestions only. Choose whatever you like best!
How should I cook the chicken?
I placed my chicken pieces into a skewer and cooked them in my grill pan.

You can easily grill these outside or skip the skewers all together and just place them into a skillet.
I have never air fried them but I’m sure that would work also.

Just be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° and is cooked all the way through.
Quick skewer tip:
If you’re going to cook these chicken thighs on a grill/grill pan like I did I have a tip for the skewers.

Place the skewers in some cold water for a few hours to soak them before you add the chicken.
They will be much less likely to brown and burn that way.

This is especially helpful when grilling over an open flame.
The Best Chicken Marinade Ingredients

- Chicken Thighs
- Olive oil
- Brown Sugar
- Soy Sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Garlic powder
- Lemon/ lemon zest
- Thyme
- Parsley fresh
- Parsley dried (optional)
Instructions
First, cube up the chicken thighs into relatively equal pieces. About 2 inches big.

Next, add them to a medium sized bowl.

Now season them with the salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Then add the olive oil, soy sauce and brown sugar.

Then add the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley and thyme.

Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.

Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate.
I like to leave it there overnight but if you don’t have that time just do it for as long as you can.

Now take the marinated chicken thighs and place them onto a wooden skewer.

Then cook them on all sides in a grill pan over medium high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°

Finally let them cool slightly and serve warm. Sprinkle them with some dried parsley if you’d like. Enjoy!

The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe Video
The Best Chicken Marinade
Equipment
- wooden/metal skewers
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds Chicken Thighs, boneless & skinless
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 3 tbs Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1 large Lemon
- Sat and Pepper to taste
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbs Garlic Powder
- 2 tbs Parsley, Fresh- Chopped
- 2 tbs Thyme, Fresh or Dried
- Parsley, dried (optional)
Instructions
- First, cut the chicken thighs into about 2 inch pieces and place them in a medium sized bowl.
- Add all of the ingredients except for the dried parsley. Mix it all together, cover it and place it in the fridge over night.
- Remove it from the fridge and place the marinated cubed chicken onto wooden or metal skewers.
- Place the skewers on a grill pan over medium high heat. Cook them on all sides until the chicken is cooked all the way through. It should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Sprinkle them with some dried parsley of garnish if you'd like. Let them cool slightly and enjoy!