3 Easy Chicken Marinades for Grilling and BBQ

Hello friends!

The barbecue season is kicking off, and for me, that means simple yet delicious meals! I have a habit of making marinades as soon as the weather turns warm. Chicken is my meat of choice, and then I enlist my husband’s help, he’s the grill master! If there’s one thing that transforms a simple piece of chicken into a dish that everyone begs for seconds of, it’s the marinade. So, I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned here: my three basic chicken marinades: Barbecue, Lemon, and Soy-Honey, with exact proportions, marinating times, and all my marinated chicken recipes for you to try out.

The 3 Basic Chicken Marinades (and Their Proportions)

A chicken marinade always follows the same formula: a fat + an acid or a sweet + spices. Here are my three favorite combinations, measured for 600 g to 800 g of chicken:

1. The Smoked Barbecue Marinade

• 4 tablespoons of ketchup + 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce + 1 tablespoon of oil
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika + 1 clove of minced garlic

This is the base for my barbecue ribs: it caramelizes beautifully on the grill as well as in the oven.

2. The Lemon-Herb Marinade (the Fresh One)

• The juice and zest of 1 lemon + 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic + thyme, rosemary, or oregano
• Salt, pepper, and a touch of honey to sweeten

This sunny version is perfect for souvlaki-style skewers or a simple fillet on the plancha.

3. The Soy-Honey Marinade (the Sweet-Savory One)

• 4 tablespoons of soy sauce + 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil + grated fresh ginger + garlic

With an Asian twist, this is the foundation of my Bali satays, and it is divine on drumsticks or thighs.

How Long to Marinate the Chicken?

30 minutes is sufficient to flavor thin pieces (like tenderloins or escalopes), especially when you’re in a hurry. To optimize the flavor, you can even make your marinade in a vacuum-sealed bag. This ensures the flavors penetrate the meat even more.

For drumsticks, thighs, or kebabs, aim for a marinating time of 2 to 12 hours in the refrigerator for more robust flavors. Avoid marinating for over 24 hours with acidic marinades (like lemon) as they begin to « cook » the meat and can make it grainy. And remember, never reuse a raw marinade as sauce without boiling it first.

My 8 Favorite Marinated Chicken Recipes

Theory is good, but practice is better. Click on the chicken marinade that interests you!

My Tips for Cooking Marinated Chicken

On the Grill or Plancha

Drain the chicken pieces well before placing them on the grill; excess marinade can cause flames to rise and char the chicken before it cooks through. Cook over medium heat, flipping often, and brush with the remaining (boiled) marinade at the end of cooking, only if it contains sugar.

In the Oven

Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) and roast for 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, on a tray with a rim to catch any juices. Sweet marinades caramelize, so keep an eye on the chicken during the last 10 minutes.

In the Pan

Use medium heat (not high, as honey and ketchup burn quickly), and deglaze the pan with a splash of water at the end of cooking to recover all the juices. You’ll have a quick and delicious sauce, we love it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Marinades

Should You Prick the Chicken Breast Before Marinating?

It’s unnecessary and even counterproductive: the meat would lose its juices during cooking. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can lightly score the thick pieces (like drumsticks or thighs).

Can You Freeze Chicken in Its Marinade?

Yes, this is actually a great organizational tip! Place raw chicken and its marinade together in a freezer bag. It will marinate as it defrosts in the refrigerator.

What Quantity of Marinade to Prepare?

Plan for about 100 ml of marinade for 500 g of meat. There’s no need to drench the chicken; a well-massaged freezer bag coats the meat better than a mixing bowl. Ideally, use a vacuum-sealed bag—this is truly the best method.

And What to Serve with Your Marinated Chicken?

Try my smashed potatoes or my mashed potatoes for carbs, and my cucumber salad with cream for some freshness. To complete your meal, check out my selection of summer barbecue recipes and my spring-summer chicken recipes!

If you try one of these marinades, let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram. It always makes me so happy!