Description
This flavorful chicken marinade combines olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of herbs and spices to infuse your chicken breasts with rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfect for grilling or baking, this marinade tenderizes the meat and enhances its natural taste, making for a delicious, juicy, and easy chicken dish ideal for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredient
- 4 chicken breasts (or your choice of chicken cuts)
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Whisk together until well blended.
- Add Flavor Enhancers: Add in the Dijon mustard and honey, and continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are incorporated.
- Incorporate Herbs and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried basil, and black pepper, ensuring the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow baking dish.
- Marinate Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Marinate in Refrigerator: Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4-6 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse the meat. Turn the chicken occasionally for thorough marination.
- Preheat Heat Source: Preheat your grill or oven to a medium-high heat. If using an oven, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it.
- Remove Chicken from Marinade: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid.
- Cook Chicken: Grill or bake the chicken until it’s cooked thoroughly, usually about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill, or 25-30 minutes in the oven, depending on the thickness.
- Check Doneness: Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for 4-6 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
- Make sure to discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or drumsticks, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle heat.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures it remains juicy and tender.
