# H1 Easy Chicken Marinades for Simple Summer Grilling
Summer is the perfect time for grilling, and chicken is a versatile and healthy option for your barbecue. But let’s face it, plain grilled chicken can be a little boring. That’s where marinades come in! A good marinade can transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion, adding moisture, tenderness, and a delicious crust. This article provides a collection of easy chicken marinades perfect for simple summer grilling. We’ll cover a variety of flavor profiles, from classic Italian to zesty lemon herb, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Each recipe includes detailed instructions and tips for achieving the best results. So fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy some incredibly flavorful chicken!
## Why Marinade Chicken?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s quickly discuss why marinating chicken is so beneficial:
* **Flavor Enhancement:** Marinades infuse the chicken with delicious flavors, making it much more exciting than plain grilled chicken.
* **Tenderization:** Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt help to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in more tender and juicy chicken.
* **Moisture Retention:** Marinades help to lock in moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out on the grill.
* **Enhanced Crust:** Certain ingredients, like sugar or soy sauce, can contribute to a beautiful, caramelized crust.
* **Reduced Grilling Time:** Marinated chicken sometimes cooks slightly faster than unmarinated chicken, depending on the ingredients.
## General Tips for Marinating Chicken
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when marinating chicken:
* **Use Food-Safe Containers:** Always marinate chicken in a food-safe container, such as a glass bowl, resealable plastic bag, or stainless-steel container. Avoid using aluminum containers, as the acid in the marinade can react with the metal.
* **Submerge the Chicken:** Ensure that the chicken is fully submerged in the marinade. This will ensure that all surfaces are evenly coated and flavored.
* **Marinating Time:** Marinating time is crucial. Generally, you should marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, longer marinating times (up to 12 hours or overnight) will result in even more flavorful and tender chicken. Be careful not to over-marinate, especially with highly acidic marinades, as this can make the chicken mushy.
* **Refrigerate:** Always marinate chicken in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
* **Discard Marinade:** Never reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken. This is a food safety hazard. If you want to use the marinade as a sauce, reserve some before adding the chicken, or boil the used marinade thoroughly to kill any bacteria.
* **Pat Dry:** Before grilling, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and allows the chicken to brown more effectively.
* **Bring to Room Temperature:** Let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling. This will help it cook more evenly.
* **Grilling Temperature:** Use medium-high heat for grilling chicken. This will ensure that it cooks through without burning.
* **Internal Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Resting Time:** After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
## Easy Chicken Marinade Recipes
Now, let’s get to the recipes! Each recipe is designed to be easy to follow and uses readily available ingredients. The measurements provided are generally sufficient for 2-3 pounds of chicken. Adjust accordingly based on the amount of chicken you are marinating.
### 1. Classic Italian Chicken Marinade
This marinade is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for those who love the classic flavors of Italy.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon dried basil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
* 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add lemon juice and Parmesan cheese if using.
2. Place the chicken in a food-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated.
4. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
6. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips:**
* For a richer flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried herbs. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
* This marinade is also great for marinating vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
### 2. Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade
This marinade is bright, zesty, and refreshing, perfect for a light summer meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a food-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated.
4. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
6. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips:**
* Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
* Other herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil can be substituted for rosemary and thyme.
* Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
* This marinade is also excellent for seafood like shrimp or salmon.
### 3. Honey Garlic Chicken Marinade
This marinade is sweet, savory, and incredibly flavorful. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Place the chicken in a food-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated.
4. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
6. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Watch carefully to prevent burning due to the honey.
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips:**
* Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
* Add a tablespoon of brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions after grilling.
* This marinade is also great for stir-fries.
### 4. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Marinade
This marinade is rich, tangy, and creates a beautiful glazed finish on the chicken.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a food-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated.
4. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
6. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with remaining marinade during the last few minutes of grilling for a more intense glaze.
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips:**
* Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
* Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
* This marinade is delicious with grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers.
### 5. Spicy Yogurt Chicken Marinade (Tandoori Inspired)
This marinade is creamy, tangy, and packed with warm spices, inspired by Tandoori flavors.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt preferred)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
* 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a food-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated.
4. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
6. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips:**
* Use Greek yogurt for a thicker and tangier marinade.
* Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
* Serve with naan bread and a side of raita (yogurt sauce).
* This marinade is especially good for chicken thighs and drumsticks.
### 6. Chipotle Lime Chicken Marinade
This marinade is smoky, spicy, and citrusy, perfect for adding a kick to your grilled chicken.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup lime juice
* 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
* 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a food-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated.
4. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
6. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips:**
* Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to your liking, depending on your spice preference.
* Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the spice.
* Serve with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
* This marinade is also great for fajitas.
### 7. Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
A simple, sweet and savory marinade for that classic teriyaki flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
* 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
* 2 tablespoons sake (rice wine) or dry sherry
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
* 1/4 cup water (optional, if using cornstarch)
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake or sherry, brown sugar, grated ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. If using cornstarch, whisk it together with the water until smooth and add it to the marinade. This will help thicken the sauce slightly when grilling.
3. Place the chicken in a food-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated.
5. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours (longer marinating may make the chicken too salty).
6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels.
7. Grill over medium-high heat, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
**Tips:**
* Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to prevent the marinade from being overly salty.
* Mirin is a sweet rice wine that adds a distinctive flavor to teriyaki. If you don’t have it, you can substitute a teaspoon of sugar mixed with a tablespoon of dry sherry or rice vinegar.
* Brushing the chicken with extra marinade during the last few minutes of grilling helps create a nice glaze. Make sure to boil any reserved marinade before using as a glaze to eliminate any bacteria.
* This marinade is perfect for chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
### 8. Jerk Chicken Marinade
Bring the flavors of the Caribbean to your grill with this spicy and aromatic jerk marinade.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 scallions, chopped
* 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped (use gloves!) – or habanero pepper, use with caution
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon grated ginger
* 1 tablespoon ground allspice
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup lime juice
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth, forming a paste.
2. Place the chicken in a food-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Rub the jerk marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken for best results.
4. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat off any excess marinade (this helps prevent burning).
6. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 25-35 minutes depending on the size and cut of the chicken. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips:**
* Scotch bonnet peppers are very hot! Use caution when handling them, wear gloves, and adjust the amount to your spice preference. Habanero peppers can be substituted. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the pepper to reduce the heat, or use a milder chili pepper.
* For authentic jerk flavor, use pimento wood chips when grilling.
* Score the chicken with shallow cuts before marinating to help the marinade penetrate deeper.
* This marinade is excellent on bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks.
### 9. Peri-Peri Chicken Marinade
A flavorful and spicy marinade inspired by Portuguese cuisine. Peri-Peri is known for its fiery heat and citrusy notes.
**Ingredients:**
* 6-8 peri-peri chili peppers (or bird’s eye chilies), finely chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup water
**Instructions:**
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until relatively smooth. A little texture is fine.
2. Place the chicken in a food-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Pour the peri-peri marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
4. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat off any excess.
6. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side for smaller pieces, or longer for larger pieces. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
**Tips:**
* Peri-peri chilies can be difficult to find fresh. You can substitute dried peri-peri flakes or a peri-peri sauce, adjusting the amount to your preferred spice level. Bird’s eye chilies are a readily available alternative.
* If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but the smoky flavor will be diminished.
* This marinade is fantastic on chicken wings, thighs, and spatchcocked chicken.
* Serve with a side of peri-peri sauce for dipping, or with grilled corn on the cob and a simple salad.
## Variations and Customization
The recipes above are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature chicken marinades. Here are some ideas:
* **Add different spices:** Try adding cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, or chili powder to your marinades.
* **Use different acids:** Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or rice vinegar. You can also use citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, or limes.
* **Add sweeteners:** Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, and agave nectar can add a touch of sweetness and help with caramelization.
* **Incorporate herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, mint, and chives can add a burst of flavor.
* **Add heat:** Red pepper flakes, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce can add a spicy kick.
* **Use different oils:** Experiment with different types of oil, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or sesame oil.
* **Add umami:** Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, or miso paste can add a savory depth of flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Marinated and grilled chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:
* **Serve as a main course:** Serve the grilled chicken with a side of grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, or salad.
* **Make sandwiches or wraps:** Slice the grilled chicken and use it in sandwiches or wraps with your favorite toppings.
* **Add to salads:** Top a salad with grilled chicken for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* **Make tacos or fajitas:** Use the grilled chicken in tacos or fajitas with your favorite toppings.
* **Serve as an appetizer:** Cut the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with dipping sauces.
## Conclusion
With these easy chicken marinade recipes, you can transform ordinary grilled chicken into a flavorful and exciting dish. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature marinades. Remember to follow the general tips for marinating chicken to ensure the best results. So, fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious summer meals! Happy grilling!