Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, you can butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness (about 3/4 inch) for faster, more even cooking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). This creates your flavorful marinade base, perfect for these types of grilled chicken marinade recipes.
Step 3: Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken gently.
Step 4: Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. For best results with these grilled chicken marinade recipes, aim for at least 2 hours. If you're marinating for longer, consider using Basics Glass Food Storage containers for food safety and flavor retention.
Step 5: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. This is a crucial step for all grilled chicken marinade recipes.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Step 7: Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Step 8: Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly moist chicken, a hallmark of excellent grilled chicken marinade recipes.