Chicken is a mealtime staple and takes on different flavours so well, but it can be easy to fall into a chicken rut, going back to the same tried and true recipes. Mix up your dinner or meal prepping with these 5 chicken marinades!

They’re easy to whip up and marinating your meat before cooking allows for the flavour to soak through instead of just at the surface. A good marinade can make the difference between “meh” and “are there enough for seconds?”

These marinades are made for approximately 4 breasts or 6-8 thighs or drumsticks. For each recipe, mix the ingredients together and place your meat and marinade together in a covered dish in the fridge for 2-24hrs.  

5 Chicken Marinade Recipes

1. Spicy Sesame Ginger

With a balance of sweet, savoury, nutty, and spicy – use this marinade for your next stir-fry!

• 3 tbsp tamari
• 3 tbsp unseasoned rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp sriracha (or more, if you like it spicy!)
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tsp fresh grated ginger

2. Balsamic

Pro tip: balsamic marinated chicken makes a delicious addition to a greek salad wrap.

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

3. Tropical Chicken Marinade

A go-to for the summer, this flavourful summer marinade is perfect for an early dinner on the weekend. Sit out on your patio with a refreshing, fruity drink and enjoy each bite that’s packed with a playful melody of sweet, spicy, and tart.

4. Honey Mustard

Honey mustard isn’t just for dipping nuggets in, it makes a tasty marinade for baked or grilled chicken.  

• 3 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup stone ground mustard
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste

5. Rosemary Lemon Garlic

Refreshingly delicious, this chicken marinade is the perfect companion to a fresh salad and some roasted new potatoes. Pop your potatoes into the same pan and roast them to golden perfection with your chicken for an easy dinner.

Want more recipes to mix up your dinner routine? Check out these 5 super easy chicken dinner recipes!