Easy Chicken Marinades: Just 3 Ingredients Each, Perfect for Grilling!
Love simple chicken marinade recipes? These flavorful ideas take less than a minute to compile.
Simple chicken marinades for grilling are the BEST!
I tend to default to easy chicken recipes when I don’t know what to cook for dinner. Grilling seems to be our preferred way to meal prep meals for the week. Taking the time to marinate chicken before grilling adds lots of flavor and helps it stay tender and juicy.
I love quick and easy marinades with just a few ingredients to make things easier to prep. You can create so many different flavor profiles by starting with a bottled salad dressing or olive oil and adding to it.
Today I am sharing 3 of my favorite easy chicken marinades!
These are all delclious, have minimal ingredients, and will take less than a minute to whisk together and pour over chicken. You can make these one at a time, or consider marinating a bunch of chicken with different flavors and then use the grilled chicken in meals throughout the week!
For best results marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight before grilling.
1.) Zesty Italian dressing chicken marinade
Try using a salad dressing as a base for a marinade like Zesty Italian. It adds tons of flavor and is inexpensive too! I like to add garlic and Worcestershire sauce too. This also makes a great steak marinade as well.
This is a great grilled chicken to add to salads, pasta, and chicken wraps.
2.) Taco Chicken Marinade
If you love using grilled chicken for tacos or taco salad, try this yummy taco flavor idea! Use olive oil, two tablespoons of taco seasoning, orange juice, and fresh cilantro as a simple chicken marinade. It yields such tasty results. The citrus makes it extra delish. If you need a recommendation we love this Kinder’s brand taco seasoning as it’s smoky and great tasting. Look for it at Costco!
Hip Tip: If you’d like to make your own homemade taco seasoning, that is super easy. Try this yummy recipe!
3.) Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade
If honey mustard is a favorite combo of yours, try them together as an easy marinade! You can use honey mustard salad dressing, but I do find that combining actual honey and Dijon mustard has a stronger flavor profile that we love! I enjoy this chicken alongside grilled or roasted veggies. Mac and cheese is also a favorite side dish with it.
3 Simple Chicken Marinade Ideas
yield: 4 SERVINGS
prep time: 5 MINUTES
cook time: 30 MINUTES
total time: 35 MINUTES
Three different marinades for chicken that are quick and easy to compile with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
Italian Chicken Marinade:
- 1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Taco Chicken Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro *optional
Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
1
Combine the ingredients of the marinade using a wisk and pour over 1.25 pounds of raw chicken breast meat. Store in a container with lid, or kitchen storage bag.
2
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
3
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill over medium/high heat (400 degrees) 4-5 minutes on each side. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Use a thermometer to check.
I hope you love these easy chicken marinade ideas as much as we do!
Now you can store your chicken in the fridge and use it during the week for meal prep. Compile homemade chicken wraps, pasta, salads, burrito rice bowls, quesadillas, and more as easy no-fuss meals! I will sometimes grill a bunch of veggies on as well for side dishes.
Do you have a favorite easy chicken marinade?! Share with us in the comments to inspire everyone.
Grill sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken kabobs with pineapple and bell peppers!
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