Delicious and Simple Chicken Marinade Recipes for Every Occasion

We keep hearing about how much protein we need to eat. And that one of the best lean protein options is a chicken breast. But let's face it - those are boring, there is only so much chicken a girl can eat, and I really don't want to have to think about what's for dinner AGAIN!

Babble's got you!

Check out our list below of our top-rated, make-you-the-queen-of-the-kitchen (or BBQ) chicken marinades.

A note for all recipes below...

• Chicken can be marinated for a few hours, overnight, or place the chicken in the marinade and freeze it that way - then when you thaw it to cook at a later date, the work is done!

---

Just 3 Ingredients:

Let's start with a couple easy-peezy, can't-miss recipes. Both of these are delicious, but especially delicious when grilled. Whisk these together and pour over 1-1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

The Gold Standard (I don't want to think about dinner) Marinade:

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 1/3 cup grapefruit or orange juice

• 1 packet of Italian dressing seasoning

Southwest Chicken Marinade:

• 1 cup picante salsa (any favorite will do)

• 1 cup ketchup

• ¼ cup honey

---

The "Best Marinade"

I was given this recipe by one of our Babble Panel members. This is how that went:

"What do you mean you don't marinate your chicken?!?"

"..."

"Ok. I'm going to send you my Best Marinade recipe to get you started."

As you can see, this one is well-loved.

Best Marinade:

• 3.5 pounds boneless/skinless chicken breasts (about 6 breasts)

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

• 1/8 cup lemon juice

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary

• 2 tablespoons Dijion or spicy brown mustard

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

Mix together and dump on the chicken.

---

More Tried & True Chicken Marinades from The Babble Panel

Mix these together, pour into a ziplock bag or glass container and add chicken. Marinate for a few hours or overnight.

Lemon Herb Marinade:

• 1 cup olive oil

• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar

• 1/2 cup white wine

• 5 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 Tablespoons sugar

• 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

• 1 tablespoons fresh oregano, minced

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 2 teaspoons black pepper

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 lemon, zest and juice

(This goes well with boneless/skinless chicken thighs - a cheaper alternative at the grocery store.)

---

For my Greek food lovers:

Greek Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons honey

• Juice from ½ lemon

• 1 teaspoon each: dried oregano, basil, salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

---

Greek Yogurt Curry Chicken Marinade:

• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 teaspoon ginger

• 2 teaspoons curry powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon allspice

• 1 shallot thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

---

Balsamic Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

---

 Honey Mustard Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup honey

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

---

Cilantro Lime Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/3 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon tsp salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro leaves

---

Turmeric & Lime Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• Salt & pepper to taste

(Pro tip: Cook on the grill. When chicken comes off grill, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with lime zest.)

---

BBQ Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/3 cup favorite BBQ sauce

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

---

Looking for more great content like this? Make sure you're signed up for the FREE Babble Newsletter. Amazing ideas, quick tips, and time-savers delivered straight to your inbox every week. And Babble won't sell or share your info.

Know someone who’d love to Babble with us?  Share this story today!