5 Easy, Super-Flavorful Marinade Recipes for Grilled Chicken

Fresh chimichurri-style marinade recipe

Inspired by Suburbia Unwrapped.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 – 1-1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup red wine vinegar
• 4 large limes, juiced and zested
• 4 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, very finely minced or crushed
• 2 cups flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1 cup fresh oregano
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 chicken breasts

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the chicken, mixing very well.
2. Add the chicken breasts to a large zip-closed bag and pour the marinade over top. Close the top and toss the chicken. Marinate overnight or until ready to grill.

More: How to Tenderize Meat: 6 Easy Ways to Tame Those Tough Cuts

Dijon & white wine marinade recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 8 ounce (1 cup) jar Dijon-style mustard
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 – 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar (can also substitute red wine vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1-1/2 teaspoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 chicken breasts

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the chicken, mixing very well.
2. Add the chicken breasts to a large zip-closed bag and pour the marinade over top. Close the top and toss the chicken. Marinate overnight or until ready to grill.

Citrus & garlic mojo marinade recipe

Yields 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large sweet oranges, juiced
• Zest of 1 whole orange
• 2 limes, juiced and zested
• 2 lemons, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 chicken breasts

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the chicken, mixing very well.
2. Add the chicken breasts to a large zip-closed bag and pour the marinade over top. Close the top and toss the chicken. Marinate overnight or until ready to grill.

A version of this article was originally published in June 2013.