Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade is a staple, must have and must make recipe. Chicken breasts are tossed in a marinade consisting of basic pantry ingredients like garlic and dried herbs and spices. A super quick and easy marinade that yields moist and delicious chicken! This recipe serves 4 but can easily be doubled.

Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade

Looking for a basic grilled chicken recipe that goes with just about anything?

I’ve got you. However this “basic” marinade is anything but basic. It’s a go-to recipe for those days you need a chicken marinade that’s homemade, without any artificial ingredients or additives, that’s not only easy but is also be customizable – which is only a few reasons why I love this recipe.

Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade

Perfect served as is, and for adding protein to your favorite salad or tucking into a wrap or stacking a sandwich.

Did you know I also have a basic balsamic grilled chicken marinade? I do! Click Here for the recipe!

Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade ingredients

To Make Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade You Will Need:

  • fresh garlicAdds distinct punchy flavor!
  • kosher saltEnhances the flavors of this marinade.
  • thyme (dried) – Lends a sharp and earthy flavor.
  • garlic powderGives a boost of garlic flavor that’s sweeter yet milder than the fresh garlic.
  • oregano (dried) – Adds earthy and slightly bitter flavor.
  • parsley (dried) – Lends bright and herbaceous flavor that will enhance the other ingredients in the marinade.
  • onion powderFor bold oniony flavor.
  • freshly ground black pepperAdds some subtle bite and flavor.
  • red pepper flakesFor flavor and adds a slight kick, but is optional.
  • avocado oilAdds moisture and helps to carry the flavors of the spices throughout the marinade and keeps the chicken from sticking to the grill.
  • boneless skinless chicken breastsPounding thin will help the chicken cook evenly.

garlic, dried herbs and spices in a bowl

In a large mixing bowl, measure and add; 4 cloves grated fresh garlic (about 1 tablespoon), 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon each dried oregano, dried parsley and freshly ground black pepper, 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Lastly, measure and add in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – if using.

pour in avocado oil

Pour in 6 tablespoons avocado oil.

whisking

Whisk…

combined marinade

…until combined. Then set off to the side.

pound thin

Working in batches, place 2 chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and use the flat side of a meat tenderizer to pound the thickest part until the chicken is an even thickness. Remove and repeat with remaining 2 chicken breasts.

add chicken breasts

Transfer the pounded chicken breasts into the bowl with the marinade.

toss chicken to coat in marinade and refrigerate

Toss to coat, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.

grilling marinated chicken breasts

Preheat your grill to 500°

Remove the marinating chicken and set out while the grill preheats (about 15 to 20 minutes) to take some of the chill off. Once your grill is hot, lay the chicken breasts smooth-side facing down onto the grill grates, close the lid and grill 4 to 5 minutes. Turn and repeat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Using a instant read thermometer is a great way to check doneness – the internal temperature of chicken should be 165°.

remove and let rest

Remove and transfer chicken to a cutting board. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 to 8 minutes so the juices can redistribute.

Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade

Serve as is next to your favorite side dishes or slice for topping salads or use in sandwiches or wraps! 

Marinade Recipe Variations:
  • Make it lemony by adding the zest of 1 small lemon to the marinade.
  • Make it lime-y by adding the zest of 1 lime to the marinade.
  • Make it Mexican by swapping the thyme, oregano and parsley for chipotle powder, cumin and dried cilantro (and add lime zest!).

Click Here For More Of  Your Basic Recipes!

Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade

Enjoy! And if you give this recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade

Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade
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Yield: 4

Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade

Your Basic Grilled Chicken Marinade is a staple, must have and must make recipe. Chicken breasts are tossed in a marinade consisting of basic pantry ingredients like garlic and dried herbs and spices. A super quick and easy marinade that yields moist and delicious chicken! 
Serves 4 but can easily be doubled.

Ingredients

  • 4 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, or 1½ fresh (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, or 1 tablespoon fresh (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, or 1 tablespoon fresh (minced)
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 2 pounds total weight

Instructions 

  • In a large mixing bowl, measure and add; grated garlic, salt, thyme, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Lastly, measure and add in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - if using.
  • Pour in the oil, whisk until combined and set off to the side.
  • Working in batches, place 2 chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and use the flat side of a meat tenderizer to pound the thickest part until the chicken is an even thickness. Remove and repeat with remaining 2 chicken breasts.
  • Transfer the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Alternatively, you could add the pounded chicken breast to a resealable bag, pour the marinade over top and seal.
    Refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight.
  • Preheat grill to 500-550°.
  • Remove the marinating chicken from the fridge and set out while the grill preheats (about 15 to 20 minutes) to take some of the chill off.
  • Once your grill is hot, lay the chicken breasts smooth-side facing down onto the grill grates, close the lid and grill 4 to 5 minutes. Turn and repeat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Using an instant read thermometer is a great way to check doneness – the internal temperature of chicken should be 165°.
  • Remove, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5 to 8 minutes so the juices can redistribute.
  • Serve as is next to your favorite side dishes or slice for salads, sandwiches or wraps!

Notes

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Serving: 8ounces, Calories: 324kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 16g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 716mg, Potassium: 450mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 0.1g, Vitamin A: 84IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 1mg