Print

Grandpa’s Grilled Chicken Marinade

grandpas grilled chicken marinade - featured image

A flavorful and easy grilled chicken marinade recipe passed down through generations, perfect for BBQs and weeknight dinners. It keeps chicken juicy with a balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Whisk until well incorporated and honey dissolves.
  2. Add smoked paprika, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk again to evenly distribute spices.
  3. Place chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, seal, and massage to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Grill chicken skin-side down for 6-8 minutes without moving to get grill marks and crispy skin. Flip and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F for breasts or 175°F for thighs.
  6. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes to lock in juices.
  7. Serve sliced or whole with your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for better marinade adhesion and crispier skin. Marinate overnight for best flavor and tenderness. Flip chicken only once during grilling to maintain crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to cooler part of grill or reduce heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, chicken marinade, BBQ chicken, easy marinade, flavorful chicken, summer grilling, family recipe