Fire Up the Grill: 10 Delicious Marinades for Chicken
Grilling season's here, and if you're like us, you're already dreaming about that perfect plate of flame-kissed chicken. You know the kind. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. And the secret to getting the juiciest, flavor-packed chicken? A solid marinade.
But don't worry, this isn't about overly complicated ingredients or hours of prep time. We've rounded up 10 easy, flavorful marinades for chicken that pack a punch and pair perfectly with a summer evening outdoors.
So throw on an apron, fire up that grill, and get ready to make your backyard the place everyone wants to be.
Why Marinades for Chicken Matter
Let's get something straight.
Marinades aren't just some fancy foodie move.
They're the backyard cook's best friend. Why? Because they're easy, they do most of the work for you, and the results are totally worth it.
Here's what a marinade does for your chicken
- They add flavor: A marinade soaks deep into your chicken, giving you bold, juicy bites instead of bland, dry ones.
- They tenderize: Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt break down tougher muscle fibers, making your chicken super tender.
- They lock in moisture: No one's here for dry chicken. A marinade helps seal in juices, even over a hot flame.
Quick Tips for Marinating Chicken Like a Pro
- Keep the chicken in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Use a glass bowl or a resealable bag; skip the metal bowls.
- Don't go overboard with acid, too much can turn your chicken to mush.
- Give it time, but not too much: 2–6 hours is the sweet spot for most cuts.
A little marinade goes a long way, and it's the easiest way to make your grilled chicken taste like something you'd get at a backyard cookout hosted by a professional chef.
10 Mouthwatering Marinades for Chicken
1. Classic Lemon Herb
Fresh, zesty, and perfect for keeping things simple.
Ingredients:
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¼ cup olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 Tbsp fresh)
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1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
How to make it:
Whisk everything together in a bowl or shake it up in a jar. Pour over chicken in a zip-top bag or container, seal it up, and marinate in the fridge for 2 to 6 hours.
2. Garlic & Balsamic
Deep, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
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¼ cup balsamic vinegar
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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2 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 Tbsp brown sugar
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let your chicken soak in it for at least 1 hour (but 4+ hours is even better).
3. Honey Sriracha Glaze
Sweet with a bit of fire. A crowd favorite every time.
Ingredients:
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¼ cup honey
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2 Tbsp sriracha
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2 Tbsp soy sauce
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1 Tbsp lime juice
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1 clove garlic, grated or minced
How to make it:
Whisk it all together until the honey dissolves. Let your chicken marinate for 1–3 hours. It's fantastic on wings or skewers. Grill low and slow to keep the sugars from burning.
4. Smoky BBQ Bourbon
The backyard BBQ hero with just the right kick.
Ingredients:
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½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
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2 Tbsp bourbon
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1 Tbsp maple syrup
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 clove garlic, minced
How to make it:
Stir together and pour over chicken. Cover and chill for 2 to 6 hours. This one's made for thick, bone-in cuts or anything destined for slow grilling over medium heat.
5. Cilantro Lime
Bright, punchy, and loaded with fresh flavor.
Ingredients:
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Juice of 2 limes
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3 Tbsp olive oil
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½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
How to make it:
Blend it all together or whisk well in a bowl. Marinate chicken for 2–4 hours. Killer on grilled chicken tacos, kabobs, or anything served with a side of guac.
6. Caribbean Jerk
Sweet, spicy, and warm with island vibes.
Ingredients:
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3 Tbsp soy sauce
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 Tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp allspice
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½ tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp ground ginger
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1–2 tsp chopped fresh chili (or ½ tsp cayenne)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 Tbsp chopped scallions or green onion
How to make it:
Combine everything in a bowl and marinate for 4–6 hours for bold flavor. Perfect with a side of grilled pineapple.
7. Sweet Chili Soy
A balance of tangy, sweet, and savory.
Ingredients:
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¼ cup sweet chili sauce
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2 Tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 Tbsp rice vinegar
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper for heat
How to make it:
Mix together and marinate for 2–4 hours. Sprinkle with sesame seeds after grilling for a little crunch.
8. Greek Yogurt & Dill
Creamy and refreshing with a Mediterranean twist.
Ingredients:
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt
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Juice of ½ lemon
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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1 Tbsp fresh chopped dill (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
Stir everything together until smooth. Marinate chicken for 2–4 hours. Bonus: save some as a sauce for dipping!
9. Maple Mustard
A little sweet, a little tangy, and a lot tasty.
Ingredients:
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2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 Tbsp maple syrup
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1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 clove garlic, minced
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Pinch of salt
How to make it:
Whisk it together and pour over chicken. Let it marinate for 1–3 hours. Works great with boneless thighs or chicken sandwiches.
10. Spicy Peanut Ginger
Savory, nutty, and perfect for satay-style grilling.
Ingredients:
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3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter
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2 Tbsp soy sauce
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1 Tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger
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1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce
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Warm water to thin (1–2 Tbsp)
How to make it:
Stir or blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of warm water to reach your desired texture. Marinate chicken for 2–4 hours.
These marinades for chicken are made for easy weeknight meals, Saturday grill-outs, or any time you want to switch things up and add a little boldness to your backyard menu.
Elevate Your Grill Game with the Right Tools
You've nailed the marinade; now let's talk gear. Because even the best chicken won't shine if your grill can't keep up.
A quality setup gives you consistent heat, plenty of space, and features like side burners or storage that make grilling smoother from start to finish.
Add a few essentials like a meat thermometer, grill brush, and maybe a cast iron pan, and you'll be grilling like a pro in no time.
Build Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen
Thinking bigger? An outdoor kitchen setup with built-in grills and prep space turns your backyard into a full-on cookout HQ, perfect for weekend meals or hosting the whole block.
If you've been eyeing a setup beyond a basic grill, we've got you covered. From sleek built-in grills to full outdoor kitchens with storage, countertops, and more, our collection helps you turn your patio into a cookout command center.
Whether you're grilling on weekends or hosting neighborhood block parties, the right setup makes it easier, faster, and a whole lot more fun.
Ready to Grill Like a Pro?
Explore our collection of grills and outdoor kitchen products designed to make every backyard barbecue better.