Mom’s Chicken Marinade Recipe (Tender, Juicy & Full of Flavor)

🍋 Introduction

Every family has a go-to chicken recipe, and for many of us, it starts with a great marinade. This is Mom’s Chicken Marinade — the one that turns ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

It’s the kind of marinade that doesn’t overpower, but instead enhances the natural juiciness of the chicken with the perfect balance of tang, savory depth, and freshness.

What makes it magical? It’s simple, honest, and reliable. Whether you’re grilling in summer, baking in winter, or meal prepping year-round, this marinade is your chicken’s best friend.

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🛒 Ingredients

You likely have everything in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need for the marinade:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
• Zest of 1 lemon for extra brightness

Use this marinade for chicken breasts, thighs, tenders, or drumsticks — it works on all cuts!

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together all the ingredients until well combined. Alternatively, shake vigorously in a mason jar.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere. Place it in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.

Step 3: Add the Marinade

Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate.

Step 4: Marinate

Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 4–6 hours. For best flavor and tenderness, you can even marinate overnight (up to 24 hours max).

Step 5: Cook

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover liquid. Proceed with your preferred cooking method (see below).

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Marinade Results

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor — bottled lemon juice lacks complexity.
• Don’t reuse marinade that touched raw chicken — unless you boil it for a sauce.
• Marinate in glass or BPA-free plastic — avoid aluminum, which reacts with acids.
• Score thicker chicken breasts lightly with a knife for deeper flavor penetration.
• Shake or turn the chicken once halfway through marinating for even distribution.

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🔥 Best Ways to Cook the Chicken

🟩 Grilling (Recommended):

• Grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side (breasts), or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

🟨 Oven-Baking:

• Preheat to 400°F (205°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, depending on thickness.

🟦 Pan-Searing:

• Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, tent with foil to rest before slicing.

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🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
• Slice over a garden salad or into wraps for lunch.
• Serve alongside garlic bread, quinoa, or couscous for a wholesome meal.
• Top with tzatziki or chimichurri for Mediterranean flair.

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📦 Storage & Meal Prep

• Store uncooked marinated chicken in the fridge up to 24 hours.
• Freeze chicken in marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Cooked chicken leftovers stay fresh refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Great for meal prep bowls or lunchboxes — just slice and store in airtight containers.

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🔄 Flavor Variations

• Citrus Herb: Add orange juice and fresh thyme.
• Spicy Honey Garlic: Use sriracha and more garlic + extra honey.
• Greek Style: Add yogurt and dill to the marinade.
• Asian Fusion: Replace lemon with rice vinegar and sesame oil, add a splash of hoisin or oyster sauce.
• Smoky BBQ: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke and a touch of ketchup.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes! It also works wonderfully with pork chops or even firm tofu.

How long should I marinate chicken?
Minimum 30 minutes, ideally 4–6 hours. Do not exceed 24 hours, especially with acidic ingredients.

Can I cook the chicken directly from the marinade?
No, always discard the raw marinade. If you want to use it as a sauce, you must boil it for at least 3 minutes first.

Can I grill it indoors?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan or an electric indoor grill like a George Foreman works great.

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🔢 Nutrition (Per 1 chicken breast with marinade, grilled)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Fiber: 0g

Note: Nutrition values will vary depending on chicken cut and marinade absorption.

Print

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📌 Pinterest Description

Mom’s Chicken Marinade Recipe – A simple and reliable marinade that makes any chicken juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Just olive oil, garlic, lemon, and pantry spices — perfect for grilling, baking, or meal prep.
✨ Ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, herbs
📌 Save for your next dinner night!
#ChickenMarinade #GrilledChicken #EasyDinner #MealPrepChicken #FamilyRecipes #LemonGarlicChicken