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The Best All-Purpose Chicken Marinade for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

Close-up of perfectly grilled, juicy chicken pieces showing char marks, prepared using the amazing chicken marinade recipe.

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This simple marinade recipe guarantees tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time you grill, bake, or air fry. It uses common pantry staples and is ready in minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until fully combined. This is your all-purpose chicken marinade.
  2. Place your chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or wings) into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish. For best results, refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. For maximum flavor and tenderness, you can marinate overnight.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade before cooking. Discard any leftover marinade.
  6. Cook the chicken using your preferred method: grill over medium heat, bake at 400°F (200°C), or air fry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

  • For freezer-friendly meal prep, place the raw chicken and marinade together in a freezer-safe bag and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • This recipe works well for chicken breasts, thighs, or even pork tenderloin.
  • If you are grilling, wipe off excess marinade before placing the chicken on the grates to prevent flare-ups.

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