Go-To Chicken Marinade for Grilling, Freezing, and Everyday Magic
Some recipes come and go… but this one? This marinade has been in my kitchen for years. It’s my freezer staple, my grilling go-to, and the first thing I reach out for when I want dinner to feel easy and taste amazing. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or firing up the grill for summer dinner, this chicken marinade is pure (savory) magic.
Why You’ll Love This Marinade
This is the chicken marinade I return to again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and wildly flexible – whether you’re tossing dinner on the grill or stocking your freezer for later. I usually make a double or triple batch to pack into freezer bags for future meals.
This marinade works with:
- Chicken thighs (my favorite) or breasts
- Indoor grills, outdoor BBQs, or sheet pans
- A busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner
Why I Always Freeze It First
Sure, you can marinate and cook this chicken fresh… but I almost never do. There’s something kind of magical that happens when the marinade works its way into the chicken slowly as it thaws – the flavor ends up deeper, more balanced, and honestly… just better.
It’s one of those little kitchen witch secrets that makes dinner feel like less of a scramble and more of a spell.
How to Use It
To freeze (my preferred method):
Add raw chicken and marinade to a freezer-safe bag. Lavel it and freeze flat. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge – the chicken will marinate as it thaws, and the flavor will be next-level.
To cook fresh (if you must):
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours. Grill or roast as usual.
Make-Ahead Chicken Marinade for Grilling or Freezing
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken (we prefer bone-in for this recipe)
- 1/4 cup worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp dry ground mustard
- 1 tsp pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 tbsp dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Place chicken in a gallon-sized ziploc bag.
- Pour marinade ingredients over chicken.
- Seal the bag and give it a good squish to blend everything together.
- Label and freeze.
To serve:
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight.
- Grill or broil chicken until cooked through.
Notes
Freezer Notes:
I like to pack this marinade with:
- Bone-in thighs for grilling
- Boneless thighs for stir-fry
- Breasts for slicing into wraps or pasta
Label your bags with the date & cooking method so you’re not guessing later!
Related Posts:
Magical Ingredients
-
Red Wine Vinegar
Element of Water • Transformation • Intensity
Sharpens flavor and clears stagnation—perfect for turning everyday meals into something bold. -
Garlic
Element of Fire • Protection • Strength
Wards off dullness and doubt—bringing clarity, courage, and flavor to the table. -
Parsley
Element of Air • Cleansing • Vitality
Clears stale energy and refreshes the spirit—like a breath of green intention. -
Mustard
Element of Fire • Clarity • Activation
Sparks momentum and clears hesitation—perfect for meals that move you forward.
As you whisk and mix, stir in the intention to nourish, protect, and energize. This marinade doesn’t just flavor your chicken—it brings your everyday magic to life.
Resources
Icons used in the Magical Ingredients box: Purple-Green Crystals by Freepik, Vinegar by rawpixel.com via Freepik, Garlic by pikisuperstar via Freepik, Parsley by Freepik, Mustard Flower by macrovector via Freepik.
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