Marinade For Grilled Chicken

Prep: 10 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A flavorful marinade combining soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, and ginger, perfect for tender, juicy grilled chicken suitable for summer barbecues and family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken pieces

Instructions

  1. Combine soy sauce, honey, oil, lemon juice, ground ginger, and salt to make the marinade.
  2. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces.
  3. Marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Grill the chicken until cooked through and nicely charred.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight for maximum tenderness. You can substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a sweeter variation, consider using maple syrup instead of honey, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this grilled chicken with a side of Glazed Carrots With Herbs for a delightful contrast in flavors. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious marinade. A light dipping sauce can also elevate the dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For a quick option, you can microwave it on medium power in short intervals.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marinade For Grilled Chicken contains roughly 489 calories, with 2g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1913mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).

489 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 52.1g 67% DV
Carbs 4.7g 2% DV
Fiber 0.2g 1% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1913mg 83% DV
Potassium 112.1mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 5.5mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.5mcg
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 6.7mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use skinless chicken pieces for this marinade?

Yes, skinless chicken pieces will work well with this marinade. Just keep in mind that skin-on chicken tends to retain moisture better during grilling, so adjust your cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken stays juicy.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for the best flavor and tenderness, aim for at least 4 hours or overnight. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the acids in the marinade can start to break down the meat too much.

What type of oil is best for the marinade?

A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works best for this marinade, as it won't overpower the other flavors. Olive oil can also be used, but choose a light variety to avoid a strong taste. Avoid using oils with strong flavors like sesame or coconut.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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