Description
This Best Grilled Chicken Marinade recipe delivers moist and flavorful chicken breasts infused with a zesty blend of olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika. Perfect for an easy, healthy dinner, this marinade enhances the natural juiciness of the chicken when grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse or up to 8 hours for a deeper taste and tender texture.
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high to ensure even cooking and lovely grill marks.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and place on the hot grill. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest the chicken: Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute before serving for maximum moisture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating time can be shortened to 30 minutes, but longer marination (up to 8 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked sea salt or adding a dash of chipotle powder.
- If grill is unavailable, chicken can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Adjust salt according to preference and dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
