This Grilled Chicken Marinade is a go-to recipe for perfectly tender, juicy, and boldly flavored chicken every single time. Made with pantry staples and just a few minutes of prep, it strikes the ideal balance of tangy, savory, and herby exactly what grilled chicken needs to shine.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or planning an easy weeknight dinner, this marinade delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

The secret lies in the smart combination of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and soy sauce. The vinegar gently tenderizes, the oil locks in moisture, and the soy sauce seasons the meat all the way through.

A handful of dried herbs and spices round everything out for a clean, classic taste that pairs with almost anything.

Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 2–4 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 5

Why This Marinade Works So Well

Tenderizes without overpowering: Balanced acidity keeps chicken juicy
Simple ingredients: No sugar, no complicated steps
Versatile: Works for grilling, baking, or pan-searing
Crowd-friendly flavor: Savory and herby, not overly spicy

Ingredients

¼ cup red wine vinegar
¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup olive oil
1½ teaspoons dried parsley flakes
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
5 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

How to Make the Marinade

1. Mix the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Pour the marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and turn to coat evenly. Press out excess air and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

👉 Tip: For deeper flavor, you can marinate overnight—just don’t go longer than 24 hours.

3. Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-low heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.

Grill the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until no longer pink and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Best Cuts of Chicken for This Marinade

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chicken thighs (extra juicy on the grill)
Drumsticks or wings (increase grilling time)

This marinade also works beautifully for baked or air-fried chicken.

Flavor Variations (Easy Tweaks)

Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
Smoky: Sprinkle in smoked paprika
Fresh herb boost: Add minced fresh garlic or chopped rosemary
Zesty: Finish grilled chicken with a squeeze of lemon

What to Serve with Marinated Grilled Chicken

Grilled vegetables or corn on the cob
Fresh green salad or kale salad
Rice, quinoa, or couscous
Roasted potatoes or pasta salad

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Marinated (raw): Up to 24 hours in the refrigerator
Cooked chicken: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Meal prep: Slice and use in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or bowls

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 233
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 24g

This Grilled Chicken Marinade is proof that great flavor doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you’ll have juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken that’s ready for any meal—casual or special. Fire up the grill and enjoy!