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Easy 4-Ingredient Chicken Marinade Recipe for Perfect Summer Grilling

easy 4-ingredient chicken marinade - featured image

A simple and quick chicken marinade using just four ingredients that delivers juicy, flavorful grilled chicken perfect for summer grilling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and soy sauce until well combined, about 2 minutes.
  2. Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams) into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
  4. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours. Minimum 15 minutes if short on time.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F / 190–204°C). If using a grill pan, preheat over medium-high and lightly oil the surface.
  6. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off and discard leftover marinade.
  7. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and grill marks appear.
  8. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Marinate chicken for 2 to 4 hours for best flavor and tenderness. Avoid marinating longer than 6 hours to prevent mushy texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling. Pat chicken dry before grilling to avoid flare-ups. Do not reuse leftover marinade as sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken marinade, easy chicken marinade, summer grilling, grilled chicken, 4-ingredient marinade, quick marinade, healthy chicken recipe