Next time you have chicken on the menu, give my Easy Chicken Marinade recipe a try! It is a tantalizing combination of tang and spice that will elevate your taste buds to new heights. This recipe is the perfect balance of zesty orange and fiery ginger– the best chicken marinade recipe that will infuse every bite of otherwise boring chicken with a burst of bold flavors.
Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also requires minimal ingredients, making it a convenient option for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
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Easy recipes are so much fun.
Sometimes they are so easy, though, that it feels like I am cheating. But a super easy recipe sure does tend to make life a bit simpler, and I am definitely all for that.
And easy recipes give us more time to spend with our loved ones, and less stress trying to figure out what you’re going to make for dinner tonight. So, let’s get to it!
Why You Should Marinate Your Chicken
Marinades are a great way to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. They not only infuse the meat with delicious flavors but also help to break down its proteins, resulting in a more tender and juicy meat. By using a marinade, you can transform an ordinary piece of chicken into a culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Marinade
To create the perfect orange ginger Chicken Marinade, you need a handful of simple ingredients. I typically use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this easy recipe, but you can use the marinade for any cut of chicken.
In addition, you need the following marinade ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
How to make Chicken Marinade
Seriously, friends, this is so easy! Combine your soy sauce, orange marmalade, lemon juice, ginger, and black pepper in a resealable plastic bag. I like to put the bag into a bowl to prevent it from falling over as I add the ingredients.
Shake or stir to mix well.
Place your raw chicken into the plastic bag, seal it, and allow it to marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate the boneless chicken breasts, the more flavorful and tender they will become. Don’t marinate the chicken longer than 24 hours, or it can start to break down.
That’s it! Pretty quick and simple, right?
Grilling Marinated Chicken
Once your chicken is well-marinated and ready to cook, let’s get it on the grill! You can also bake your chicken, but grilling is my preferred cooking method.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Then grill chicken for about 3 minutes, covered. Baste the chicken with half of the reserved marinade.
Monitor the chicken for slight charring and grill marks. When those are visible, turn the chicken over and cook for another 3 minutes on high heat, basting with leftover marinade.
Reduce the grill to low heat and cook for another 3 minutes, covered. Turn the chicken again and cook for another 3 minutes, covered. The chicken will be ready to serve when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer. Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Broiling Recipe for Chicken Marinade
Instead of grilling the chicken breasts, you can also broil them for 10 – 15 minutes on each side. This is one of my favorite ways to save time.
Whether you choose to grill or broil the marinated chicken, you have a flavorful chicken dish that will impress your family and friends and is perfect for all your summer cookouts.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of freshly squeezed juice?
Freshly squeezed citrus juice is preferred as it has the best flavor. However, if you don’t have access to fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for later use. Place the marinated chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cooking.
Can I use the marinade as a sauce?
Please don’t use the marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken as a sauce. However, I recommend preparing a separate batch of marinade without the chicken and use it as a sauce or glaze for the cooked chicken.
Or you can always do what my husband does and douse it with some bottled barbecue sauce when you sit down to dinner. 🤪
Can never have too much flavor! LOL
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! This is a good marinade for many cuts of chicken, including chicken tenders, chicken legs, chicken drumsticks, and more!
What should I serve with this Easy Chicken Marinade?
- Serve this orange ginger marinated chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Pair the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini, for a nutritious and colorful plate. Or try my Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts!
- Serve the chicken with a side of tangy and refreshing coleslaw for a refreshing, light meal.
- Serve it with a potato dish, like these Scalloped Hasselback Potatoes or Ranch Mashed Potatoes for a hearty meal.
- You can even cut it up and use it in my Couscous Chicken Salad. This is by far, my family’s favorite summer salad!
More Tasty Chicken Recipes
- Crockpot Chicken Tacos– An easy chicken dish made in the crockpot /slow cooker with homemade taco seasoning and ready to eat when you come home in the evening!
- Chicken Panzanella– This salad is full of flavor and makes a great dinner for a hot summer’s night or any night!
- Chicken Picatta– a very easy and delicious chicken dish with lemon, capers, and paprika that will awaken your senses! You’ll be asked to make this popular chicken recipe again and again.
- Roasted Chicken and Vegetables– Marinated chicken thighs, along with onion, squash, and Brussels sprouts tossed in herbs and bacon grease, are baked in the oven and then sprinkled with bacon. It’s a perfect meal for any night of the week.
- Chicken Divan– a hearty chicken dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week! Broccoli and chicken are baked with a creamy white wine sauce in this easy casserole recipe.
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Easy Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce, orange marmalade, lemon juice, ginger and black pepper in a sealable plastic bag. Mix well.
- Place chicken into the plastic bag, seal and allow to marinate for a minimum of 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill on high.
- Place chicken onto the grill to cook for 3 minutes, covered. Baste the chicken with half of the marinade.
- Monitor the chicken for slight charring / grill lines and when those are visible, turn chicken over and cook on high, covered for an additional 3 minutes. Baste with remaining marinade.
- Reduce grill heat to low and cook for 3 minutes, covered.
- Turn chicken over and cook covered for an additional 3 minutes on low.
- While chicken is cooking.
- Be sure to slice through the chicken to check for doneness. Chicken will be sufficiently cooked when internal temperature reads 165°F with a thermometer.
Notes
- We don’t eat much, which is why I only use about 1- ½ lbs. of chicken. If using more, by all means double, triple or even quadruple the recipe.
- Instead of grilling the chicken breasts, you can also broil them, 10 – 15 minutes each side.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on July 11, 2016. It has been updated in format and with photos on June 19, 2024.
