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overhead shot of 7 chicken marinades labeled in freezer bags
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4.56 from 123 votes

7 Chicken Marinade Recipes (Freezer-Friendly!)

These 7 chicken marinade recipes make your chicken tender, juicy and so flavorful! You can cook these up in the oven or on the grill. It's so easy to prepare a bunch at once and freeze for later.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Marinating time2 hrs
Total Time2 hrs 5 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 190kcal
Author: Denise Bustard

Ingredients

Cilantro Lime Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast roughly 2 large chicken breasts; see note 1
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1.5 tablespoons honey
  • ½ cup cilantro leaves chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Sweet Chili Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast roughly 2 large chicken breasts
  • 6 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (reduced sodium recommended)
  • ¼ cup water

Jerk-Inspired Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast roughly 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Lemon Ginger Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast roughly 2 large chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons minced ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Chipotle Lime Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast roughly 2 large chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Honey Garlic Chicken Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast roughly 2 large chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I prefer reduced sodium)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup water

Yogurt Curry Chicken Marinade *note 3

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast roughly 2 large chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup yogurt plain
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a heavy duty freezer bag or reusable silicone bag.
  • Add chicken breasts and turn to coat in marinade. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for 2-24 hours.

Cook

  • Oven- Heat oven to 425°F.
    Arrange chicken with marinade liquid into an 8x8 inch baking dish.
    Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. See note 2.
    Double check that your chicken has reached 165°F using an instant read thermometer.
    Rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
  • Grill- Heat BBQ to medium-high heat (450°F).
    Make sure the grill is clean and well greased.
    Shake off excess marinade and place the chicken over direct heat.
    Grill with the lid down for roughly 8 minutes, flipping every 2 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 155°F *.
    Allow to rest for 5 minutes (covered).
  • Air Fryer- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create two thin slices.
    Heat air fryer to 400°F.
    Shake off excess marinade, and arrange the chicken into the air fryer basket.
    Cook for 4 minutes, flip, then cook for an additional 2 minutes.
    Check that it has reached 165°F internally, then remove from the air fryer.
    Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

1- you may also use this marinade for boneless skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks. Slide the serving size number to increase the serving size.
2- approximate total bake times for chicken breasts:
  • For small, 5 oz chicken breasts, 18-20 minutes at 425°F
  • For 7 oz chicken breasts, 25 minutes at 425°F
  • For 10.5 oz chicken breasts, 25-30 minutes at 425°F
3- the yogurt curry marinade will flake/break after freeze/thawing, but still has great flavor!
Freezing chicken in marinades
To freeze chicken in marinades, prepare as directed, then pop into the freezer. They may be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing frozen chicken marinades
These marinades must be thawed before cooking. 
  1. Thaw 24 hours in the fridge or
  2. Immerse the bag in a bowl of cold water (with a heavy item on top to submerge the bag). Let it sit for 2 hours.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 48mg | Sugar: 7g