13 Best Marinades for Grilling Chicken This Summer

When it comes to grilling chicken, the marinade is key to unlocking great flavor. A good marinade not only adds taste but also helps keep the chicken moist and tender. As the grilling season kicks off, it’s important to have a few standout marinade recipes on hand to elevate your chicken dishes. These easy-to-make marinades will help you get the most out of your chicken, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Classic BBQ Marinade

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This timeless barbecue marinade combines smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, creating a perfect harmony for your grilled chicken. To make it, mix 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. Enjoy a quintessential summer BBQ flavor with every bite.

Lemon Herb Marinade

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Bright and zesty, this lemon herb marinade is perfect for a light, refreshing flavor profile. Combine ½ cup of olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. A burst of citrusy goodness that’s perfect for warm summer evenings.

Spicy Chipotle Marinade

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For those who love a bit of heat, this spicy chipotle marinade adds a smoky, fiery kick to your chicken. Blend together 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ¼ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of lime juice, 3 cloves of garlic, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours. Turn up the heat with this bold and spicy marinade.

Honey Mustard Marinade

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Sweet and tangy, the honey mustard marinade is a crowd-pleaser with its delightful balance of flavors. Mix ½ cup of Dijon mustard, ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. Perfect for those who love a sweet and tangy twist.

Teriyaki Marinade

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This savory and slightly sweet teriyaki marinade adds a touch of Asian flair to your grilled chicken. Combine ½ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours. Experience a taste of the Orient with every bite.

Greek Yogurt Marinade

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Creamy and tangy, this Greek yogurt marinade keeps the chicken tender and juicy while infusing it with Mediterranean flavors. Mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt, juice of 1 lemon, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. Enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a Mediterranean twist.

Balsamic Herb Marinade

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Rich and tangy, the balsamic herb marinade adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to your chicken. Combine ½ cup of balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup of olive oil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. A sophisticated and delicious choice for any summer cookout.

Cilantro Lime Marinade

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Fresh and zesty, the cilantro lime marinade is perfect for adding a burst of bright flavors to your chicken. Mix ½ cup of fresh lime juice, ¼ cup of olive oil, 1 cup of chopped cilantro, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. A refreshing and vibrant addition to your summer grilling repertoire.

Mango Habanero Marinade

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Sweet with a fiery kick, the mango habanero marinade is a thrilling choice for adventurous palates. Blend together 1 cup of mango puree, 1-2 minced habanero peppers, ¼ cup of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a pinch of salt. Marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours. A sweet and spicy delight that’s sure to impress.

Harissa Marinade

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This harissa marinade brings a fiery, aromatic kick to your grilled chicken, perfect for those who love bold, spicy flavors. To make it, blend ¼ cup of harissa paste, ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. Enjoy the rich, smoky, and spicy flavors of North African cuisine with this vibrant harissa marinade.

Maple Dijon Marinade

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Sweet and tangy, the maple Dijon marinade combines the rich flavors of maple syrup with the sharpness of Dijon mustard. Mix ½ cup of maple syrup, ¼ cup of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. A delightful blend of sweet and tangy that enhances your grilled chicken.

Thai Peanut Marinade

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Creamy and nutty, this Thai peanut marinade brings a deliciously unique flavor to your grilled chicken. Blend together ½ cup of peanut butter, ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 cloves of garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours. Add a touch of exotic flair with this rich, nutty marinade.

Sesame Ginger Marinade

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This sesame ginger marinade brings a delightful Asian-inspired flavor to your grilled chicken. Mix ¼ cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. Marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours. Savor the delicious, umami-rich flavors of this sesame ginger marinade.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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