By Becky Hardin
Updated Feb 3, 2026
When I’m looking to add a little more pizazz to my weekly chicken dinner, this easy marinade is my go-to. What I get is lip-smacking, deliciously flavored chicken that’s absolutely irresistible. The chicken breasts are soaked in a tangy-sweet sauce and turn out super juicy, no matter how you cook them.
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5-Star Review
“Made this recipe and it was great, easy to make with ingredients within our home. Had a great taste.” -Skye
Easy Chicken Marinade Recipe
I find the best chicken marinade accomplishes many things, including helping keep the meat moist during cooking. Not only does this marinade achieve this, but it’s simple to prepare and hits all the right tangy, zesty, sweet, and savory notes, leaving everyone in my family begging for just one more piece of chicken.
While I love this marinade for chicken breasts, it is so versatile that it can be used on any cut. I’ve used it on thighs, wings, and a whole chicken, and it turns out great every time. I recommend scaling up the recipe depending on how many pounds of chicken you’re using. This recipe will marinate up to 2 pounds of meat. For 4 pounds, double the recipe.
Tips for Beginners
- Modify the spices . Feel free to switch up the spices to suit your tastes.
- Do not marinate in a metal container . Marinate the chicken in a bowl, baking dish, or Ziplock bag.
- If you have extra marinade. Pour it over some veggies before cooking.
- Chicken should register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Regardless of which cooking method you choose.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 3 tbsp olive oil or use vegetable or canola
- ▢ ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or try Worcestershire sauce
- ▢ ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or use white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or lime juice
- ▢ 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ▢ 3 tbsp brown sugar maple syrup or honey also work
- ▢ ½ tsp ground paprika
- ▢ ½ tsp onion powder
- ▢ ½ tsp garlic powder
- ▢ ½ tsp kosher salt
- ▢ ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ▢ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs. total) breasts, thighs, drumsticks, tenders, or a whole chicken will also work; adjust the cooking time accordingly
Video
Instructions
- Whisk the marinade ingredients in a large dish or plastic bag. 3 tbsp olive oil, ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp ground paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Add in the chicken and toss to coat it completely in the marinade. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- To Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat (450-500°F). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for around 10 minutes total, flipping the chicken halfway through.
- To Pan Sear: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a cast-iron skillet. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
- To Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 370°F. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 7-8 minutes.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Chicken Marinade Step by Step
Combine the ingredients : In a large dish or plastic bag, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp ground paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper.
Mix in the chicken and marinate: Add the 4 boneless chicken breasts, and toss to coat them completely in the marinade. Marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
To bake : Preheat the oven to 425°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
To grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat (450-500°F). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for around 10 minutes total, flipping the chicken halfway through.
To pan sear: In a cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side.
To air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the basket and cook for 8 minutes. Turn the chicken breasts over and continue to cook for another 7-8 minutes.
Serve : Transfer the chicken from the cooking vessel to a plate and serve. Enjoy!
How to Store
You can store this chicken marinade (without chicken) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Once the chicken has been added to the marinade, it will keep for about 2 days. Do not save leftover marinade as it has been contaminated with raw chicken.
Store cooked marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.
You can freeze the chicken in a Ziplock bag with the air squeezed out for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight before cooking as desired. There’s no need to let it marinate longer in the refrigerator, as it will marinate as it freezes and thaws!
Serving Suggestions
While marinated chicken pretty much goes with just about anything, I often serve it with a side of crispy cottage fries or air fryer onion rings . When it comes to a veggie side, I love the savory flavor of these sauteed mushrooms , or if I’m in the mood for something on the sweeter side, I’ll prepare roasted honeynut squash .
More Marinade Recipes to Try
Steak Marinade : This is my absolute favorite steak marinade. This easy marinade delivers savory, tangy flavors that comes together with just soy sauce, Worcestershire, and balsamic vinegar. I’m always amazed at how flavorful and juicy my steak turns out.
Grilled Chicken Breast : Featuring red wine vinegar, garlic, and an abundance of fresh herbs, I love how this marinade is simple to make and cooks up the juiciest, most flavorful grilled chicken.
Shrimp Marinade: When I’m looking to add a burst of flavor to shrimp, this recipe is my go-to. Simple but packed with flavor, I’ve used a mix of soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic, and Italian seasoning to add a rich, sweet, and savory taste.
more chicken breast recipes we love
Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Crockpot Chicken Breast
Sous Vide Chicken Breast
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Chicken Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil or use vegetable or canola
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or try Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or use white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or lime juice
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp brown sugar maple syrup or honey also work
- ½ tsp ground paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs. total) breasts, thighs, drumsticks, tenders, or a whole chicken will also work; adjust the cooking time accordingly
Instructions
- Whisk the marinade ingredients in a large dish or plastic bag. 3 tbsp olive oil, ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp ground paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Add in the chicken and toss to coat it completely in the marinade. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- To Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat (450-500°F). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for around 10 minutes total, flipping the chicken halfway through.
- To Pan Sear: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a cast-iron skillet. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
- To Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 370°F. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over and cook for another 7-8 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
