Easy 4-Ingredient Chicken Marinade

Grilling season is here in full swing and I couldn’t be happier! Summer is a busy time of year, so I try to keep a few simple chicken recipes in the back of my mind that the whole family will like. Some of my favorite easy chicken marinade recipes are this overnight chicken marinade, this yummy honey chicken kabob marinade and this pineapple steak marinade.

This 4-Ingredient Chicken Marinade recipe is one of our family favorites because it is so fast and easy! The recipe was inspired by the classic Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenders and first served to us by my uncle. Although I kept it just as simple as the original recipe, I amped up the flavor.

Below I have also included instructions for prepping ahead and freezing the chicken in the marinade, which always results in a more flavorful result. Lastly, I included links to some of my favorite sides to complete this easy grilled chicken.

🏅 Why this recipe is great

• Just 4 ingredients that you probably already have on hand
• Makes juicy, tender chicken with so much flavor
• Easy to make and freeze ahead
• Great for grilling
• Easier than a dry rub
• Tastes like Cracker Barrel chicken tenders

🍗 Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: I prefer to grill chicken breasts that have been cut in half horizontally. However, you can also cut the chicken breasts into strips or use chicken tenderloins.
• Italian dressing: The acid in the dressing is what helps to tenderize the meat. Whether name brand or generic, choose a zesty Italian dressing rather than a house or vinaigrette version.
• Lime juice: Use freshly squeezed instead of pre-bottled. Squeeze by hand or use a hand juicer (affiliate). Lemon juice is not a good substitute because it isn't as flavorful.
• Honey: Adds a bit of sweetness to balance the tangy lime.

🔪 How to make 4-ingredient chicken marinade

Get ready, this will be fast! Start by prepping your chicken (just trim any excess fat and, if using chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally). Place the raw chicken in a plastic bag and pour in the Italian dressing, lime juice, and honey.

Give the bag a thorough shake, making sure the marinade covers every side of the chicken, and let it marinate. Chicken always has the best level of flavor, tenderness, and moisture when it marinates for 8-24 hours. You can marinate for less time but it won't be quite the same.

🔥 How to grill juicy chicken breasts

Once the 4-Ingredient Chicken Marinade has worked it's magic, it's time to start the grill. The way to grill perfectly juicy chicken is to have a two-zone fire. That is where one side of the grill is on medium-high and the other is off or on low.

Grill the first side for 5-6 minutes on medium-high heat until the edges begin to dry and change color (resist the urge to move them if you want pretty grill lines). Flip and cook the second side for another 4-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165°F. If the chicken begins to brown too much, move them over to the low/unheated side of the grill, close the lid, and let them finish cooking there.

Being able to move them to the low heat zone will help them finish cooking on the inside without burning the outside. This is my go-to tip for moist chicken breasts! Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then serve.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦  For a crowd

If you don't mind standing in front of the grill for awhile, this easy chicken marinade is a perfectly fine option to serve to a crowd. It's inexpensive, quick, and easy.

For a crowd, I suggest using chicken tenderloins because they don't require any extra cutting. I also highly recommend prepping the chicken in advance and freezing it in the marinade. On the day of serving, thaw the chicken at room temperature for several hours. Then grill (in batches if needed).

🙋 Questions and Answers

📖 What to serve with grilled chicken

This is the perfect marinade to pair well with any number of sides, including rice dishes, vegetables, potatoes, quinoa salads, fresh salads… you get the idea. My favorite ways to serve this chicken are with these side dishes:

• The Best Brown Butter Rice Pilaf - A four ingredient recipe that can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop for a super flavorful rice. 
• Incredibly Crispy Smashed Potatoes - Tender on the inside, crispy on the outside! 
• Easy Green Beans Almondine - A simple and healthy veggie made with frozen green beans and fresh lemon.
• Greek Quinoa Salad - This is great way to use leftover grilled chicken. Add extra Greek Vinaigrette Dressing to finish it off.

👨🏼‍🍳 Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh lime juice instead of pre-bottled juice. Fresh juice rounds out the flavor and adds a great tang! 
• For the most flavor, marinate the chicken overnight (up to 24 hours) or freeze it in the marinade.
• To ensure juicy chicken tenders or breasts, create a two zone fire when grilling. One side medium-high and the other on low. If the outside of the chicken is getting done too quickly move it over to the low side until it has finished cooking.