The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Marinade (Paleo, Dairy Free, Gluten Free)
Aug 17, 2021, Updated Sep 18, 2024
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If there is one marinade you need for summer, it’s this one.
When I am having people over for a barbecue, this is one of the recipes I turn to. It’s quick to throw together, packed with tart, salty, sweet, COMPLEX flavor and does all the work of flavoring your main course while you go about your day. Without fail, someone always asks “what’s in this marinade?”
The best part is that it goes just as well with steak, pork, or salmon as it does chicken and has yet to fail me. I’ve even used it with portabello mushrooms that I’ve grilled up and served as meatless burgers and it was divine.
This, along with my Miso Teriyaki Chicken, are two favorite summer go-tos you will find at my table all season long.
How To Make The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Marinade
Step 1. Cut chicken in half horizontally and open like a book, slicing in the middle to create two breast halves.
Step 2. Season chicken breasts with salt and set aside.
Step 3. Whisk all marinade ingredients in a large bowl and add chicken breast halves.
Step 4. Toss chicken to coat fully and submerge as much as possible in the marinade.
Step 5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, tossing halfway through to evenly marinate the chicken.
Step 6. Remove chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan to cook.
Step 7. When ready to cook, preheat the grill and oil the grates.
Step 8. Grill chicken on medium high for 4-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
Step 9. Let rest for 15 minutes, and serve.
Enjoy!
What Else Can I Use?
- This marinade is incredibly versatile, as I noted earlier, so I encourage you to experiment using it on all sorts of proteins and vegetables.
- Coconut aminos are called for, but soy sauce is easily substituted and one I often use as well.
- No oranges? No problem. Use some lemon or lime juice and a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey instead.
- Red wine, white wine, or balsamic vinegar can be used in place of the apple cider vinegar.
This Chicken Marinade is special because:
It’s extremely versatile. This sauce is delicious on all sorts of proteins and vegetables!
It can be thrown together in minutes but will create stunning flavor that is sure to have people asking for the recipe at dinner!
Want More Recipe Ideas For The Fourth Of July? Check These Out:
Sixty Second Coleslaw (Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Creamed Corn Pasta with Zucchini + Basil (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)
Coconut Lime Sheet Cake with Lime Glaze (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
If you make this Ultimate Grilled Chicken Marinade, and I hope you do, I want to hear from you! send me a message on instagram, or post a photo to your stories and tag me so I can share your creations. enjoy!
The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Marinade
Equipment
- Gas or charcoal grill
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cut chicken in half horizontally and open like a book, slicing in the middle to create two breast halves.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and set aside.
- Whisk all marinade ingredients in a large bowl and add chicken breast halves.
- Toss chicken to coat fully and submerge as much as possible in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, tossing halfway through to evenly marinate the chicken.
- Remove chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan to cook.
- When ready to cook, preheat the grill and oil the grates.
- Grill chicken on medium high for 4-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Let rest for 15 minutes, and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is the most flavorful and delicious chicken marinade! I love how simple the ingredients are and how quickly it comes together. My only regret was not having more leftover for lunch! This is my new go to recipe. Thank you for sharing your creations!!
Thank you so much for being here, Valerie! I’m honored to have helped you find a new favorite.
If I’m lucky enough to have leftovers, they never last very long – it’s a problem for the best of us!
Enjoy,
Kat.
10/10, my new go to marinade. Family loved it including my picky 4 year old. Marinated chicken breasts for 7 hours, cooked on grill… perfection!!! Thank you for this amazingly tasty recipe Kat!!!
Hi. What are coconut aminos and are they optional?
Hi Lynn, Coconut Aminos are a sauce not dissimilar to Soy Sauce – you can substitute soy sauce if you don’t have it on hand.
Enjoy!
Kat.
My only regret is holding onto this recipe until last year to make it. I’ve made so many “meh” marinated chicken recipes, but this one is in a league of its own! And so easy. Best grilled chicken of the season. Putting this one on rotation!
This is such high praise, Larissa! You’ve made my day!
Kat x
just made this last night and LOVE IT!!! perfect for salads, etc. came out perfect!
I’m so glad you love it, Julia!
Enjoy,
Kat.
Looks wonderful. How would you recommend cooking it if I don’t have a grill?
If you have a griddle, that would work, otherwise just in your favorite pan – the flavors will still sing!
Let me know if you give it a try!
Kat.
Fantastic! Our new favorite marinade for chicken!
Thank you for giving it a try, Beth! Honored to be a new staple in your house!
Kat.
Kat, this recipe is everything; I found it a couple years ago when I first saw you make some bomb salads on TT! You are just wonderful and inspiring.
I am truly floored by this comment Jane, it means the world – I’m so glad you’re here!!
Kat.
Loveeeee this marinade!
I’m over the moon that you love it, Laura!
Enjoy,
Kat.
I just wanted to stop in and tell you how beautiful the new site is! Congrats on the move!
You are so kind! I appreciate you!