Grilling season is one of my favorite times of the year to whip up delicious and healthy meals. My perfect Grilled Chicken Marinade makes dinnertime so easy to prepare and definitely a great way to add tons of flavor to any meal. The secret ingredient in this marinade will blow you away!
Grilled Chicken Marinade
The cucumber tomato salad pictured in the background above is a great side to go with this grilled chicken recipe. It is light and satisfying, plus keeps this meal low calorie and easy to prepare. You will love the combination for a perfect summer meal!
The secret to making this grilled chicken breast is the secret ingredient in the marinade. A bit of ground mustard adds a brightness to the marinade that you aren’t expecting. In combination with the lemon and oregano, it becomes a perfect marinade that imparts a hint of Italian flavor while remaining versatile.
I love that this makes boring chicken breasts feel gourmet. So much simple flavor! Just toss them onto the grill and in minutes you have a chicken breast you can eat by itself, on a salad, in a sandwich, or even in pasta!
Tips for Making the Best Marinade
When possible, use all fresh ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice, fresh oregano, and even fresh mustard seeds you grind on your own will make this incredible. However, in a pinch, a bottle of lemon juice and dried herbs will work just fine.
The safest method for using a marinade is to marinate in a covered bowl or dish in the refrigerator. You can also place the meat and marinade into a large Ziploc bag, but when doing this make sure you place the bag into another bowl or on a plate just in case. Occasionally these bags will leak, and it is always best to be prepared for safety.
Pro Tip: Only marinate chicken breasts in a lemon based marinade for up to 8 hours. Also, make sure you allow at least 2 hours for the flavors to really meld.
How to Keep Grilled Chicken Breast Moist
Grilling chicken can be tough. Since most chicken breasts are thinner in one area than others, it can be tough to cook evenly. This can lead to the chicken being dry in one spot and maybe undercooked in another. Below are some tips for making grilling chicken breasts easy.
- Use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken breasts into an even layer
- Invest in a meat thermometer to use so you don’t inadvertently overcook the chicken breast
- Grill low and slow on the higher rack on your grill so you don’t burn the outside of the chicken while leaving the inside raw
If you loved this grilled chicken breasts recipe with easy marinade, then I know you will love my other favorite grilled chicken recipes. Grilled Chicken Fresco Tacos are always a hit and so fresh and easy to make. If you prefer salads, this BBQ Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad is my summertime salad go-to. For those who are looking for more traditional, then the Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are great alongside any rice or pasta dish!
Other recipes you may enjoy
Grilled Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1½ – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Clean, trim, and flatten chicken then place in a shallow dish.
- In a small bowl, stir together lemon juice, oil, garlic, and seasonings.
- Pour marinade over chicken.
- Flip chicken over to make sure it’s completely covered with marinade.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, overnight is fine but no longer than 8 hours.
- Heat grill and cook chicken as desired.
Notes
- Only marinate chicken breasts in a lemon based marinade for up to 8 hours. Also, make sure you allow at least 2 hours for the flavors to really meld.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
That looks like an absolutely perfect summer meal!