Grilled chicken is a popular choice for many meals, but plain chicken can get boring. Marinades are a great way to add flavor and keep your chicken moist.

With so many options, you can try a new marinade every time you grill.

These 15 grilled chicken marinades will give you tasty ideas for your next cookout. From zesty lemon herb to sweet and tangy teriyaki, there’s a marinade to suit every taste.

You’ll find easy recipes that use common ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Get ready to make your grilled chicken more exciting and delicious.

1. Lemon Herb Marinade

This classic marinade combines zesty lemon with fresh herbs for a bright, flavorful grilled chicken.

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Place your chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure to coat all sides evenly.

Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.

When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This marinade works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or even whole butterflied chickens. The lemon tenderizes the meat while the herbs add aromatic flavor.

2. Teriyaki Marinade

Teriyaki marinade gives chicken a sweet and savory flavor. You can make it with soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Add some minced garlic and ginger for extra taste.

Marinate your chicken for at least 15 minutes, but longer is better. For the best results, let it sit in the fridge for 4 to 24 hours.

When grilling, the sugars in the marinade will caramelize. This creates a delicious glaze on the outside of the chicken. The meat inside stays juicy and tender.

You can use this marinade on other meats too. It works well with pork, beef, or even vegetables. Try it on kebabs with pineapple for a Hawaiian twist.

3. Garlic and Lime Marinade

This zesty marinade brings a burst of flavor to your grilled chicken. Mix lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add sugar for a touch of sweetness if desired.

Place your chicken in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.

Seal the bag and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours.

When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade. Discard any leftover liquid.

Grill your chicken over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked.

This marinade works great with chicken breasts or thighs. The garlic and lime combo gives your chicken a tangy, savory taste that’s perfect for summer barbecues.

4. Honey Mustard Marinade

Honey mustard marinade adds a sweet and tangy flavor to your grilled chicken. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and garlic to create this tasty blend.

For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also include some lemon juice for brightness.

Coat your chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to soak in.

Grill your chicken on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side. Make sure it’s fully cooked before serving.

This marinade works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. It’s versatile and easy to prepare.

5. Buffalo Sauce Marinade

Buffalo sauce marinade brings a spicy kick to your grilled chicken. Mix hot sauce, olive oil, and spices to create this zesty blend.

Let your chicken soak in the marinade for 30 minutes to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs.

This marinade works well for wings, breasts, or thighs. You can adjust the heat level by changing the amount of hot sauce used.

Grill your marinated chicken for a tasty meal with all the flavors of buffalo wings. It’s perfect for game day or any time you crave some spice.

6. Yogurt Tandoori Marinade

This tasty marinade combines yogurt with tandoori spices for a flavorful grilled chicken. Mix yogurt, lime juice, and tandoori powder in a bowl.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Place your chicken in a plastic bag and pour the marinade over it.

Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

For best results, let it marinate up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess.

Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until it’s fully cooked. The yogurt helps tenderize the meat, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken with a hint of Indian-inspired spices.

7. Balsamic Dijon Marinade

Balsamic Dijon marinade brings a tangy twist to your grilled chicken. Mix ¼ cup each of Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar for the base. Add ¼ cup lemon juice for extra zest.

Mince 6 garlic cloves and toss them in. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary for an herbal touch. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.

Drizzle in ½ cup olive oil to bind it all together.

This marinade works best with about 2 pounds of chicken. Let it soak for 2 to 24 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.

8. Cilantro Lime Marinade

This zesty marinade brings bright flavors to your grilled chicken. Mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add a touch of honey for sweetness if you like.

Put your chicken in the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs.

When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill until it’s cooked through.

The result is juicy chicken with a tangy, herbal taste that pairs well with rice or salad.

9. Chipotle Lime Marinade

This zesty marinade brings a smoky, tangy flavor to your grilled chicken. Mix chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with lime juice, olive oil, and spices like cumin and garlic powder.

Pat your chicken dry and place it in a dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly.

Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to 12 for more intense flavor.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until it reaches 165°F inside. Brush extra marinade on while cooking for added taste.

10. Peach Bourbon Marinade

This sweet and savory marinade brings a Southern twist to your grilled chicken. Mix peach preserves, bourbon, and BBQ sauce for a flavorful base. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.

Massage the marinade into chicken thighs or breasts. Let it sit for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge.

The bourbon helps tenderize the meat while infusing it with rich flavor.

Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, about 3-4 minutes per side. Brush with extra marinade while cooking for a glossy, caramelized finish.

The result is juicy chicken with hints of peach and bourbon.

11. Maple Sriracha Marinade

This tasty marinade blends sweet maple syrup with spicy sriracha sauce. Mix equal parts maple syrup and sriracha in a bowl. Add a splash of soy sauce and lime juice for extra flavor.

Coat your chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight.

When grilling, brush extra marinade on the chicken for a sticky glaze.

The maple sweetness balances the sriracha heat perfectly. Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious combo.

12. Soy Ginger Marinade

This marinade combines the savory depth of soy sauce with the zesty kick of ginger. It’s a versatile mix that works well with chicken, pork, beef, or tofu.

To make the marinade, whisk together soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a touch of honey. Add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice for balance.

Place your chicken in a sealed bag or bowl with the marinade. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 for more flavor.

When you’re ready, grill the chicken to perfection.

The result is juicy chicken with a sweet-savory taste and hints of ginger. It pairs well with rice, vegetables, or salad for a complete meal.

13. Rosemary and Thyme Marinade

This classic herb combo creates a delicious flavor for grilled chicken. Mix chopped rosemary and thyme with melted butter or olive oil. Add some minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for extra zest.

Place your chicken in a zip-top bag or glass dish. Pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat all sides.

Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 48 hours for more intense flavor.

When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill it over medium heat until cooked through and nicely browned.

The herbs will give your chicken a savory, aromatic taste that pairs well with many side dishes.

14. Orange Ginger Marinade

This zesty marinade brings bright citrus and warm ginger flavors to your grilled chicken. Mix orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, and grated fresh ginger in a bowl. Add a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess.

Toss in some minced garlic and a drizzle of honey for sweetness.

Pour the marinade over your chicken and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.

When grilling, brush extra marinade on the chicken for more flavor.

The result is juicy chicken with a delicious orange-ginger glaze. This marinade works great for chicken breasts, thighs, or wings.

15. Jamaican Jerk Marinade

Jamaican jerk marinade brings bold, spicy flavors to your grilled chicken. You’ll need scotch bonnet peppers, scallions, garlic, onion, and thyme as key ingredients.

Blend these with spices like allspice and cinnamon to create a thick paste. This paste sticks well to the chicken, forming a flavorful crust when grilled.

Marinate your chicken for 3-8 hours in the fridge.

When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F).

Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This marinade works great for both bone-in and boneless chicken pieces.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Marinades

A great chicken marinade needs a mix of key ingredients. These work together to add taste and make the meat tender.

Acidic Components

Acids help tenderize chicken and add zesty flavors. Lemon juice, lime juice, and vinegar are common choices.

Apple cider vinegar gives a tangy sweetness. Balsamic vinegar adds depth and a hint of sweetness. Red wine vinegar pairs well with herbs.

Use about 1/4 cup of acid per pound of chicken. Don’t marinate too long with acids, as they can make the meat mushy.

Aim for 2-4 hours for most acidic marinades.

Yogurt and buttermilk are milder acids. They make chicken very tender without overpowering it. These work well for overnight marinades.

Oils and Fats

Oils help the marinade stick to the chicken. They also keep the meat moist while grilling.

Olive oil is a popular choice for its flavor and health benefits. Vegetable oil works well too.

Use about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of oil per pound of chicken. This helps carry flavors from herbs and spices into the meat.

For a richer taste, try using melted butter in your marinade. It adds a nice golden color when grilled.

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices are the heart of any marinade. They give chicken its main flavors.

Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil add bright notes. Dried herbs work too, but use less as they’re stronger.

Garlic and onion are must-haves for savory marinades. Crush or mince them to release more flavor. Ginger adds a zesty kick to Asian-inspired marinades.

Spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder create bold flavors. Mix and match to make your own blends.

Start with 1-2 teaspoons of dried spices per pound of chicken.

Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance all other flavors in your marinade.

Tips for Marinating Chicken

Marinating chicken can boost flavor and tenderness. Use these tips to get the best results when preparing your grilled chicken.

Choosing the Right Marinade

Pick marinades with acid, oil, and seasonings. Acids like lemon juice or vinegar help tenderize the meat. Oil keeps the chicken moist. Seasonings add flavor.

Mix your marinade in a glass bowl or zip-top bag. Avoid metal containers, as they can react with acidic ingredients.

For a basic marinade, combine olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs. You can also try store-bought options for convenience.

Always marinate chicken in the fridge, not at room temperature. This prevents bacteria growth.

Optimal Marinating Times

Marinate boneless chicken breasts for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Bone-in pieces can marinate for up to 12 hours.

Don’t marinate too long. The meat can become mushy if left in acidic marinades for over 2 hours.

For a quick option, marinate at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

If you’re short on time, poke holes in the chicken with a fork. This helps the marinade soak in faster.

Remember to discard used marinade. If you want to use it as a sauce, boil it for 3 minutes first to kill bacteria.