Perfect Easy Chicken Marinade (Ready in 3 Minutes) | Elizabeth Rider

This is Perfect Easy Chicken Marinade my go-to quick chicken marinade when I want to make chicken that goes with everything. I serve it with crispy roasted potatoes, use a variation of it in tacos, put it on salads, use it for meal prep, and more.

It’s so simple I could make it in my sleep! It’s fast, flexible, and makes any cut of chicken juicy and flavorful, even if you only have about an hour from start to finish.

This all-purpose marinade works great for chicken breasts, thighs, tenders, skewers, and even drumsticks. I mostly use this marinade on boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can use it on any chicken parts. You can also easily customize it (more on that below).

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or lime juice or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced*
• 1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt (or 1½ teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped herbs (parsley, rosemary, oregano)

This recipe makes enough marinade for about 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken.

*Note on garlic: If you plan to cook the chicken over high heat—like pan-searing on the stove—skip the fresh garlic in the marinade and add it to the pan near the end of cooking. Fresh garlic burns easily at high heat and can make the dish taste bitter.

You can marinate your chicken in a resealable plastic bag, mixing bowl, or any covered dish you have on hand. Use whatever is easiest for you.

Why This Marinade Works

The science of a good marinade comes down to balance. You need:

• Oil to carry flavor and keep the chicken moist
• Acid to tenderize (like lemon juice or vinegar)
• Salt to enhance flavor and help the meat absorb moisture
• Flavor enhancers like garlic, mustard, and a touch of sweetness to bring it all together

You can use that formula to make just about any marinade. This simple chicken marinade hits all the right notes for juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Instructions

1. In a bowl or mason jar, whisk together all ingredients until fully combined.
2. Place 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken in a sealed bag or container and pour in the marinade.
3. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours in the fridge).
4. Grill, bake, or pan-sear as desired.

Food Safety Tip: If you’re marinating chicken at room temperature, limit it to 30 minutes max. For anything longer, always marinate in the refrigerator to avoid bacterial growth.

Chicken Marinade Flavor Variations

• Asian-Inspired: Swap mustard for low sodium soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos, and add 1 teapsoon grated ginger and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil.
• Cilantro Lime: Use lime juice + chopped cilantro + garlic.
• Mediterranean: Add 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespooons of plain Greek yogurt.
• Street Taco-Inspired: Use lime juice, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of cumin for a bold, zesty twist. Then use the chicken in my Chicken Street Tacos—they’re always a crowd favorite!**

Can You Freeze Chicken in Marinade?

Yes, add the chicken with the marinade to a freezer bag, press out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Best Cuts of Chicken with Cook Times & Temperatures

This marinade works well with a variety of chicken cuts, and each one cooks a little differently. No matter which cut you use, the chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked and safe to eat.

• Chicken breasts (boneless or bone-in): Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes (no flipping needed) or grill for 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
• Chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in): Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes (no flipping needed) or grill for 5–6 minutes per side.
• Drumsticks: Bake at 400°F for 35–40 minutes (no flipping needed), or grill over medium heat for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Chicken tenders: Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes (no flipping needed) or grill for 3–4 minutes per side.
• Chicken skewers: Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and avoid overcooking. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven or grill, so always check internal temperature for best results.

Print

Chicken Marinade Tips & FAQs

Is this marinade gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this is a naturally gluten-free chicken marinade—just make sure your Dijon mustard and vinegar are certified gluten-free if you’re highly sensitive.

Can I make this a sugar-free chicken marinade?
Yes. You can omit the honey or maple syrup entirely or substitute with a small amount of stevia, monk fruit, or simply leave it out. The acidity and garlic still add great flavor.

Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. You can marinate chicken ahead of time for the fridge or even freeze it raw in the marinade to cook later. It’s one of the easiest ways to prep chicken in bulk.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard, stone-ground mustard, or even skip it—the acid and garlic will still carry the flavor.

Can I use this for grilled chicken?
Yes! This easy marinade is perfect for grilling, roasting, baking, or even air frying. It creates juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

What’s the best way to make this a freezer-friendly marinade?
Combine the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag, press out any air, and freeze flat. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

FAQ

How long should you marinate chicken?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours. Longer than 24 hours can make it mushy.

Can I bake marinated chicken right away?
Yes! It still adds flavor even without a long soak—just bake at 400°F until cooked through.

Can I reuse leftover marinade?
Not raw marinade, unless you boil it first for at least 3 minutes before using it as a sauce.

This quick chicken marinade is a weekly staple in my kitchen. It takes just 3 minutes to whisk together and works for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Pair it with roasted veggies, a grain bowl, or your favorite salad.

Once you try it, you’ll memorize it.