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Chicken Marinade

Chicken Marinade

The ultimate comfort food for summer grilling! Our Chicken Marinade brings together savory and sweet flavors, making your chicken juicy and delicious. Perfect for any occasion, you won't want to miss out on trying this recipe tonight!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts, tenders, or thighs
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
  • 12 ounces Sprite (not diet)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish, plain or horseradish sauce

Equipment

  • Grater

Method
 

  1. To start, make the marinade. In a large ziplock bag, combine soy sauce, oil, Sprite, garlic powder, and horseradish. These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a flavorful liquid that will transform the chicken. Make sure to seal the bag tightly and mix well, so everything is evenly combined.
  2. Next, add your choice of chicken—whether it's breasts, tenders, or thighs—into the bag. The marinade should fully submerge the chicken, ensuring that each piece gets a good soak in those delicious flavors. Seal the bag again, pressing out as much air as possible to help the marinade cling to the chicken.
  3. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour. For optimal flavor, I recommend letting it sit for 1 to 3 hours in the fridge. As it marinates, the flavors will penetrate deep into the meat, making every bite incredibly tasty.
  4. When you’re ready to grill, heat your grill to medium. This is the perfect temperature for cooking the chicken evenly. A hot grill creates those beautiful sear marks while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
  5. Once the grill is hot, spray it lightly with cooking spray or rub it with a bit of oil. This step prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures a smooth grilling process.
  6. Now, lay the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. It’s important to flip the chicken only once to achieve a nice grilled texture. You want the outside to be golden brown while the inside remains juicy.
  7. As a helpful tip, if you’re using a meat thermometer, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F at its thickest part. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
  8. After grilling, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
  9. Finally, slice and serve your perfectly grilled chicken! Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Notes

Tip 1: Always let your chicken rest after grilling to retain juices.