How To Marinate Chicken (For Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time)

Have you ever bit into a piece of chicken and known, immediately and suddenly, that your life was changed forever? Sort of like when Prince Charming sees Cinderella for the first time at the ball; the first moment you taste perfectly cooked, deliciously juicy chicken is a moment you’ll always remember. 

Maybe that’s a little dramatic — or maybe you’ve just never had really good chicken.

And, of course, as all experienced cooks know, the secret to great chicken is no secret at all. It’s a little thing called a marinade. Soaking your chicken in sauces and spices for a few hours before cooking is like waving a magical fairy godmother-level wand over even the most boring dish, making that chicken one to remember. 

Below, we’ll cover how to marinate chicken, popular marinade ideas and common marinade ingredients to recapture that love-at-first-bite moment. 

Table of contents

• Common ingredients for marinating chicken
• Popular chicken marinades
• Directions for marinating
• Marinade troubleshooting

Common ingredients for marinating chicken 

While marinade sauces and spices will vary depending on the recipe, here are the ingredients for one of our favorite chicken marinades. 

Wet ingredients

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Dry ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Grab it now on Instacart:

Lemon juice

Garlic

Soy sauce

Rosemary

Honey

Olive oil

Black pepper

Chicken tenders

Popular chicken marinades

• Citrus herb chicken breast marinade: This delicious marinade is perfect for summertime! Tangy lemon and savory herbs will help your chicken pair well with any light lunch or dinner. 
• Grilled chicken marinade: Sometimes, simple is best. This grilled chicken marinade is great for chicken you’ll use in other dishes like pasta or casseroles. 
• Chicken injection marinade: When spreading your marinade over the top just isn’t enough, this marinade can be injected right into the meat itself! 

Directions for marinating

And now it’s time for the most important part of the show. Let’s get marinating!

Step 1: Choose a dish 

The first and perhaps most important step to a great marinade is choosing the right container to house your chicken breasts (or chicken legs; this will work for any part of the chicken) and the accompanying sauces. Some choose plastic bags; others choose glass dishes — the jury is still out on what constitutes the best dish. 

There is, however, a wrong answer. Do not use a metal dish for marinades, as it may give your chicken a metallic flavor. (0/10, would not recommend.)

Types of containers you can use to marinate chicken:

• Plastic bag with a zip top
• Glass baking dish
• Ceramic bowl or dish
• Glass storage containers
• Vacuum sealer bags
• Stainless steel bowls (they’re non-reactive, so it’s OK!)

Do not use:

• Cast iron
• Aluminum
• Any other reactive metal

Step 2: Prep the chicken

The second step is simple — just pierce all the individual pieces of chicken you’ll be cooking with a fork. This allows your delicious marinade to permeate all the way through the meat. 

Step 3: Mix

Next, you’ll mix the marinade. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper (or whatever ingredients your preferred recipe calls for) in a large bowl and mix well. You can use a spoon for this — it’s also OK to get fancy with it and use a whisk. The key is to make sure your wet and dry ingredients are evenly mixed. 

Step 4: Combine

Now it’s time to combine your chicken and the lovely marinade you just made. Place your pierced chicken into your selected marinade dish, bag or container, and pour or brush the marinade over the chicken. Try to make sure every piece of chicken is evenly covered on the top and bottom. If you’re using a pan, flip the chicken over to ensure each side is coated.

Step 5: Marinate

Finally, it’s time to let things sit. Close the zip top on the bag or cover the dish, and place it in the refrigerator. Leave it in there for at least two hours or up to 24 hours. Many people choose to marinate overnight for optimal results. 

Once the time is up, uncover the chicken and cook it in the oven, on the stovetop or any other way you normally cook chicken. Just remember to check the cooking time calculator to ensure your chicken comes out perfectly. 

Marinade troubleshooting: What’s wrong with my chicken? 

Has your chicken turned into a pumpkin at midnight instead of transforming into the tender, juicy dinner you dreamed of? Check out our tips for common issues with chicken marinades below!

How long should I marinate chicken?

The prevailing guidance for how long to marinate chicken is two to 24 hours. If you don’t have two hours for your chicken to sit, a marinade may not be the best preparation option. You may want to opt for a quicker method, like a dry rub.

Can I reuse the same marinade? 

While the idea may be tempting, don’t give in! Never reuse a marinade, no matter how efficient it may seem. Any marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken carries a risk of bacterial contamination. And yes, that includes using it for another chicken marinade. Don’t do it!

Do I need to refrigerate chicken while it’s marinating?

Yes, you need to refrigerate the chicken while it’s marinating. While all those sauces, herbs and spices will make your dish taste delicious, they won’t protect your raw meat from spoiling if left on the counter. Always refrigerate uncooked meat to prevent foodborne illnesses. 

What container should I use to marinate chicken? 

If your chicken comes out tasting a little funky, you may want to consider the container you used to marinate. Always use a non-reactive container like glass, ceramic or food-safe plastic bags. Never use a metal container unless it’s stainless steel. 

How should I marinate chicken for grilling? 

If you’re going to cook your chicken on the grill, you can follow the same marinade guidelines listed above. Your marinade choices won’t impact the outcome on the grill. That said, to increase flavor when grilling, you can season the grill itself in addition to the chicken!

Best Chicken Marinades for Tender Chicken

Recipe by InstacartCourse: RecipesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• Citrus herb chicken breast

• Grilled chicken marinade

• Chicken injection marinade

Directions

• Choose one of the delicious marinades above to prepare your chicken.
• Enjoy juicy, mouthwatering chicken with your next meal!

Create a delicious chicken meal with Instacart

Now that we’ve learned how to marinate chicken, it’s time to put those skills to use. Whether you’re cooking up Mexican street tacos, putting together a pasta dinner or even firing up the slow cooker, there’s no dinner a good marinade can’t improve. That’s why marinades are our one true love when it comes to cooking chicken!

No sauces? No problem. Get all the ingredients you need for your next chicken marinade with delivery through Instacart.

Cady Cohen

Author

Cady Cohen is a culinary writer at Instacart who empowers home cooks to navigate the exciting world of food with confidence. She has worked in digital media for over seven years covering food, health, and wellness. From handy conversion charts and recipe calculators to in-depth cooking guides, Cady's work makes grocery shopping a breeze and empowers you to make informed choices about what you put on your plate.

Heather Matley

Editor

Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.