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Best Chicken Marinade (Juicy, Smoky, and Flavor-Packed)

Best Chicken Marinade

This is the best chicken marinade for juicy, flavorful grilled chicken with a smoky, savory kick and gorgeous caramelized color. Made with soy sauce, lemon juice, liquid smoke, and mustard — just don’t marinate longer than 4 hours.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Grill & BBQ, Lunch, Main Course, Meal Prep
Cuisine: American, Asian, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Middle Eastern
Calories: 549
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • ⅔ cup olive oil
  • ⅔ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
  • 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves

Method
 

  1. Whisk olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, liquid smoke, mustard, pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
  2. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat evenly.
  3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours (do not exceed 4 hours).
  4. Preheat grill to high heat and lightly oil the grates.
  5. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Discard remaining marinade.
  6. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Remove from grill, rest briefly, and serve.