A good marinade adds flavor, locks in moisture, and makes chicken tender with minimal effort. Below are 10 easy chicken marinades, each designed for 1 lb of chicken, along with the best way to cook it—pan, oven, grill, or air fryer.
1. Classic Lemon Garlic
Marinade: Mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano; marinate chicken 30–60 minutes.
How to Cook: Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. BBQ Marinade
Marinade: Combine ½ cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp black pepper; marinate at least 1 hour.
How to Cook: Grill or bake at 400°F (205°C) for 22–25 minutes, flipping once.
3. Honey Mustard
Marinade: Whisk ¼ cup Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper; marinate 30 minutes to overnight.
How to Cook: Pan-cook on medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
4. Garlic Herb
Marinade: Mix 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1½ tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper; marinate 1–2 hours.
How to Cook: Roast in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes.
5. Spicy Paprika
Marinade: Combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp lime juice; marinate 45 minutes.
How to Cook: Pan-sear or air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 14–16 minutes.
6. Yogurt Tenderizer
Marinade: Mix ¾ cup plain yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp mild paprika; marinate 2–8 hours.
How to Cook: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes or grill on medium heat.
7. Teriyaki Style
Marinade: Combine ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp sesame oil; marinate 1–4 hours.
How to Cook: Pan-cook on medium heat, basting with leftover marinade, for 10–12 minutes.
8. Buttermilk Classic
Marinade: Mix 1½ cups buttermilk, 1½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika; marinate 4–12 hours.
How to Cook: Oven-bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30–35 minutes or shallow fry until golden.
9. Mediterranean
Marinade: Combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1½ tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper; marinate 1–3 hours.
How to Cook: Grill or bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes.
10. Simple Salt & Pepper
Marinade: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil, 1½ tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp garlic powder over chicken; rest 20–30 minutes.
How to Cook: Pan-sear or air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.
Cooking Tip
Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and rest it for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.