When it comes to cooking and grilling flavorful, juicy chicken, a good marinade is absolutely key. Whether you’re using chicken in a recipe or enjoying it as a side to your fav side dishes, get ready to try the best chicken marinades that are easy, healthy and full of flavor.
I have over 15 chicken marinade recipes because there’s no reason to go through life without making chicken that tastes AMAZING.
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Healthy chicken marinades 101
A great chicken marinade requires three key ingredients
- Fat from oil or even full fat yogurt or buttermilk
- Acid from vinegar or citrus fruit
- Plenty of seasonings like spices and fresh or dried herbs
With the chicken marinade recipes below, you’ll simply whisk the ingredients together and add them to a resealable bag with 1 pound of chicken (I love Stasher bags!)
Organic chicken breast tends to have more moisture and better flavor, so if you are able, I always suggest purchasing organic chicken breast. The longer you marinate your chicken the better, but be sure to let it marinate for at least 2-4 hours.
Cozy spices
Think curry, chili, cumin, and a little heat from cayenne pepper. These are great for tacos and rice bowls.
Bright & herby
Filled with fresh cilantro, citrus fruits, and jalapeño. I love using these marinades when I’m adding chicken to fresh salads.
The classics (that double as dressings!)
Homemade ranch! Honey mustard! Caesar! These marinades double as dressings and have a creamier base, and are great for sandwiches, wraps, and more salads.
BONUS: Healthy Salad Dressings (that double as marinades!)
Picked your marinade? Let’s get cooking
I have a few amazing resources for cooking your marinated chicken, plus great ways to use it:
I hope you love these easy chicken marinades! If you try them be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked them. Enjoy, xo!
