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Simple Chicken Marinade Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

This simple chicken marinade recipe combines savory soy sauce, a touch of sweetness from Sprite, and bold flavors of garlic and horseradish to create tender, flavorful grilled chicken perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts, tenders, or thighs

Marinade

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

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: In a large ziplock bag, combine soy sauce, oil, Sprite, garlic powder, and horseradish. Add the chicken pieces to the bag, seal it, and mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for 1 to 3 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
  2. Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, flipping only once, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) at its thickest part.
  3. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a plate. Allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain juices before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating chicken between 1 to 3 hours enhances flavor but avoid marinating overnight to prevent texture changes.
  • You can use any cut of chicken such as breasts, tenders, or thighs depending on preference.
  • Cooking times may vary based on grill temperature and thickness of chicken pieces; always check internal temperature for safety.
  • For a smokier flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the marinade.