The best chicken marinade is made with soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice and zest with just a few other simple ingredients for delicious, flavorful and juicy chicken every time.
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 and go to recipe. It's so easy to make and packs oh so much flavor. Every ingredient plays a very important part in this marinade.
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. The chicken thighs really hold onto all of the flavors in the marinade and they come out so juicy every time.
Ingredients
Here is everything you'll need to make this delicious chicken marinade. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Chicken Thighs- The perfect choice of meat to hold the marinade and stay juicy while cooking.
- Olive Oil- Coats the chicken so it stays juicy and doesn't dry out.
- Brown Sugar- Thickens the marinade and adds sweetness to compliment the soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce- Brings a salty depth.
- Salt & Pepper- Enhances the other ingredients.
- Garlic- Adds an earthy, fresh, homemade flavor.
- Garlic Powder- Brings an even earthy flavor to each bite.
- Lemon & Lemon Zest- Adds just the right amount of acidity
- Thyme- Compliments the garlic and lemon perfectly while adding flavor.
- Parsley - Adds a fresh, bright flavor and pop of color.
How To Make It
First, cube up the chicken thighs into relatively equal pieces. About 2 inches big and add them to a medium sized bowl. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, 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 for a few hours and up to overnight.
PRO TIP: If you have the time, try to let the chicken marinate for up to 24 hours. The payoff on flavor will be well worth it.
Now take the marinated chicken thighs and place them onto a wooden or metal skewer. 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 garnish with parsley (optional). Enjoy!
PRO TIP: If using wooden skewers, let them soak in water for an hour before adding the chicken to prevent them from burning.
Do I Have To Use Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are fattier and stay juicy when being cooked. You can use chicken breast or tenderloins if you'd like. Just be careful not to over cook them because they will dry out.
How Should I Cook The Chicken?
I skewered them and placed them onto a hot grill pan but an outdoor grill would be fantastic here. You can even omit the skewers completely and place them into a hot skillet to cook.
Storage
Let the chicken cool completely and place the pieces into a food safe air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days.
The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe
Equipment
- wooden or metal skewers
- Large Grill Pan
Ingredients
- 2-3 Pounds Chicken Thighs, boneless & skinless
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil
- 3 Tbs Brown Sugar
- ¼ 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
- Cube up the chicken thighs into relatively equal pieces. About 2 inches big and add them to a medium sized bowl. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, 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 for a couple of hours and up to over night.
- Now take the marinated chicken thighs and place them onto a wooden or metal skewer. 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 garnish with parsley (optional). Enjoy!
Other Easy Chicken Recipes
If you like super easy to make chicken recipes like this one, you have to try this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles, Chicken And Stuffing Casserole and Pretzel Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken.
Emily says
Really is the best marinade, I’ve been using it for a couple years now.
Leslie says
Very Good!
Al Dente Diva says
I’m so happy to hear that!
Anonymous says
Girl. Definitely a great marinade! The entire family loved it. I served it with homemade veggie fried rice ?
Al Dente Diva says
Thank you so much for trying it and leaving the nice comment!!!
Anonymous says
This really is the best marinade chicken! No cap, this was so amazing and I wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your amazing recipes, and I’m about to make another one of your recipes because we enjoyed that chicken so much!
Al Dente Diva says
Hi! I might not have that one up yet. Was it with Catalina dressing?
Elaine says
I saw a video where it looks like you marinated chicken then dabbed a sauce you made. I can’t find the sauce recipe. Can you help me out?