27 Comments 
The BEST BBQ Chicken Marinade
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
This is the BEST BBQ Chicken Marinade ever! It’s quick and easy and sure to be your favorite. This marinade produces so much flavor, is the perfect amount of sweet and tangy and keeps your grilled chicken tender, juicy and delicious! Dare we say that after using this marinade recipe you’ll never use another one again?
Pair this easy dinner perfect for summer with Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad and Roasted Vegetables for an easy family friendly meal. Don’t forget the Strawberry Crisp for a sweet treat!
Disclosure: I’m sharing French’s® in my life as part of a sponsored series for Socialstars™” #FrenchsCrowd #FrenchsKetchup
Sometimes the thought of eating chicken breasts one more time is so boring! That’s why I like to make an easy marinade for our protein like this fabulous BBQ Chicken Marinade. It adds so much flavor to your chicken and it’s so easy to mix up.
I love that there is minimal dishes involved in this marinade and grilling it outside saves on them too. Plus, it’s easy to sneak in healthier foods for my family. I usually pair it with Grilled Vegetables and even throw diced sweet potatoes in there to make it a little more hearty. Or serve it with Roasted Red Potato Salad!
Why this Recipe Works:
- I bet you have the ingredients in your pantry already. It’s such an easy marinade to make at the last minute.
- You only need to marinate your chicken for two hours to pick up that delicious flavor, but can marinade up to two days.
- Guess what! It’s a freezer friendly meal. Freeze your chicken in the marinade then when you want to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill the next night!
If you are looking for a delicious twist, yet an easy recipe you have to make these BBQ Chicken Breasts this summer!
What do I need to make BBQ Chicken Marinade
- Chicken Breasts – We recommend pounded these to an even thickness so they grill evenly. You could also mix it up and use drumsticks, thighs etc.
- Dried Onion Flakes – Finely diced fresh onion will work too.
- Smoked Paprika – Can use regular paprika, but the hint of smoked flavor is perfect for this recipe.
- Salt and Pepper
- Honey – Any sweetener with will work.
- Ketchup – Pick your favorite brand.
- Soy Sauce – Could substitute with Liquid Aminos.
Steps to Prepare
- Make Marinade – Mix all the ingredients, except the chicken together in a mixing bowl.
- Marinate Chicken – Place the mixed marinade in a resealable gallon bag, add chicken and seal bag, squeezing out as much as as you can. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
- Grill Chicken – Place chicken on a preheated and oiled grill. Grill over medium-high heat for 15 minutes, flipping half way through cooking time or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes.
Here are a few commonly asked questions about making this marinade and grilling the chicken.
If you have any additional questions make sure to leave us a comment below and we will do the best to answer you!
What should the internal temperature of grilled chicken be?
The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be 165 degrees F. We recommend using an instant read thermometer to monitor the temperature of your chicken. It’s easy to use and inexpensive! Make sure to insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
How long should you marinate chicken?
Usually 2 hours is long enough for the chicken to soak up the flavor of your BBQ marinade, but you can leave your chicken in the marinade in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Do I need to flip the chicken in the marinade?
For best results flip the bag over while marinating or if it’s in a container flip the chicken over.
Can I freeze chicken in this marinade?
Yes! Simply place the chicken into a freezer-safe bag and pour the prepared marinade over the top of it. Toss the chicken to make sure it’s coated and then squeeze the air out of the bag. Place it in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to use the chicken remove from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then grill your chicken according to the directions!
Can I cook this in the oven?
Of course! Place in a baking dish and bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
What to serve with your Grilled Chicken!
- If you are hesitant to make potato salad because it’s time consuming try this easy Instant Pot Potato Salad that’s packed with as much flavor as the traditional version.
- Have fresh green beans out of the garden? Wrap them in bacon and make these delicious Green Bean Bundles!
- Make the ultimate summer dessert to pair it with. No one can ever turn down a scoop of homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream!
Try it and love it? Rate it, please? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day!
If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!
BBQ Chicken Marinade
This Quick and Easy Chicken Marinade Will Soon Be Your Favorite! It Produces So Much Flavor, is the Perfect Amount of Sweet and Tangy and Keeps Your Grilled Chicken Moist and Delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
- 1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 Tbsp honey
- 4 Tbsp Ketchup
- 4 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a shallow glass bowl combine all ingredients except chicken. Mix all together. Add chicken, stir to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
- Lightly oil grill and preheat to medium-high.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard remaining marinade. Grill over medium-high heat for 15 minutes each side or until juices run clear and internal temperature of chicken breast is 165 degrees F. You can also make this in a grill pan over medium high heat on your stovetop.
Notes
You can also use this marinade with drumsticks, thighs, wings etc.
How long should you marinate chicken?
Usually 2 hours is long enough for the chicken to soak up the flavor of your BBQ marinade, but you can leave your chicken in the marinade in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Can I freeze chicken in this marinade?
Yes!
Simply place the chicken into a freezer-safe bag and pour the prepared marinade over the top of it. Toss the chicken to make sure it’s coated and then squeeze the air out of the bag.
Place it in the freezer for up to three months.
When you are ready to use the chicken remove from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Then grill your chicken according to the directions!
Nutrition
Calories: 269kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 22gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 493mgPotassium: 393mgSugar: 32gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 1.6mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
i genuinely want to take the time to let you know that i didn’t even try your recipe because the ad experience was soooo INTENSLY INFURIATING. I’m not trying to hate or bash… just hope you know that you’d get more engagement if people could actually read your recipe instead of being bombarded with ads that cover the entire screen and scrolling capabilities and jumps alll over up and down the post as ads end and begin and load. I was so infuriated by your recipe I had to calm down and write to you. I hope you take this as constructive; i know that recipe blogs need the ads as a source of revenue, but making it spam your screen like that will have people clicking.. realizing it’s just a mess and hitting the back button to find something easier to look at…. I’m sorry if that came across mean… i am genuinely perplexed at the mess of spam on my screen. Good Luck!
Hey Heather! This is not the experience I want anyone to have. Can I ask what type of device you are using so I can look into this further? Thank you so much!
I, too have often skipped your info because of all the media advertising, etc., that pop up as I am scrolling trying to find and read the recipe.
I enjoy your site.. but it’s very challenging to get through to what you are sharing.
Thanks
Karhy
It is very challenging to read your info. The site continues to have so many interruptions.
Thanks
Karhy
This is a wonderful marinate for my chicken breasts. Thank you for all your recipes. Everyone we’ve tried is so good.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
2 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts, pounded evenly to desired thickness
1 Tbsp dried onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons Ketchup
4 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Healthy pinch of salt and pepper to taste
This is how I prepared the marinade.
I’d highly suggest pounding the chicken breasts so they are even. I used two large breasts which meant the pounds was likely closer to 2 lbs.
I used a gallon ziplock bag instead of shallow bowl.
Mixed up the marinade in a bowl and used a fork. Added Worchestshire and minced garlic and instead of onion flakes, I used dried onion powder. Marinaded an hour in the fridge, then brought to room temperature.
To cook, I used a 12 inch cast iron skillet and the resulting char and flavor from the cast iron was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!! I would suggest trying it in a clean, well cared for cast iron skillet.
Looking forward to trying this marinade again, but on the outdoor grill this summer.
So glad you loved it!
Thank you so much your recipe is awesome. I really like it.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you loved it!
thanks julie. it makes life easy! 🙂
You’re welcome!!
Can’t wait to try this, I am so bad at marinating chicken for BBQ. I hope this turns out good for me.
I hope you enjoy it!
Love your recipes
Thanks Sharron! Hope you find some keepers!
This homemade marinade is so much better than store-bought! We will be using this for summer grilling.
It’s a favorite of ours! Thanks for commenting/rating!
We made this the other day and everyone loved it. Going to make it again for a family gathering this weekend!
That’s awesome!
This was so delicious! I omitted the honey and instead added 2 TBS of BBQ sauce. I also added a splash of Worcestershire and 1/2 tsp of minced garlic. I added only half of the brown sugar recommended. My mother-in-law came for dinner and couldn’t stop raving about our chicken! Key tip on cooking: get the chicken to internal temperature of 165 F and then you can take it off the grill!
So glad you enjoyed it! Great ways to change up this marinade!
I decreased the honey & brown sugar to 3T & added 1T. apple cider vinegar. Also added Worchestire. Delicious !!! If I had used 4T. per recipe; easier to list as 1/4c. Yum !
Glad you enjoyed it Maureen!
This is a lovely marinade I have used a similar marinade but used plum sauce/chutney and a little sherry, it’s simply great marinate pork ribs overnight ideally and cook in med oven with the marinade very rich and moorish
I don’t own a grill. Can I make these in the oven? What temp and for about how long?
Yes of course! I typically bake chicken breasts at 350 for about 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temp of 160 degrees!