When grilling season hits, a go-to gluten-free marinade recipe for grilled chicken is my favorite easy dinner idea. Even though the ingredients are simple and readily available, it guarantees moist, juicy grilled meats covered in a slightly sticky sweet and savory glaze. Grab stocked pantry staples like honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and dijon and let’s make the ultimate 5-minute marinade!
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Go-To Gluten-free Grilled Chicken marinade
When it comes to summer gluten-free dinner ideas, I use an easy tactic to get me through when I don’t feel like cooking (cough, cough, every night). Use some minimal energy earlier in the day and whip up a quick gluten-free marinade for chicken.
When dinner time rolls around, it’s as simple as turning on the grill, 10 minutes cook time, and say hello to juicy, moist and tender grilled chicken breasts, thighs, kabobs and more. Serve alongside grilled red potato packets or this famously crisp, tender roasted zucchini recipe to really soak up peak summer flavors.
I know what you’re thinking…There are oodles of marinade recipes lurking on the interweb, what makes this one so special? First of all, I love how accessible it is. No fancy ingredients to buy, only what you want to throw on the grill. It, of course, works great with grilled chicken, but equally slays kabobs, pork tenderloin, chops, or steak as well.
Also, the combo of honey and balsamic vinegar makes a scrumptiously yummy sticky glaze to lock in moisture, infusing with flavor. No wah, wah lackluster taste here. A dash of dijon mustard and gluten-free Worcestershire gives great umami, while the vinegar and hint of lemon juice gently softens and tenderizes the meat.
Lastly, a marinade can only get you so far, but on-point grilling brings it home. There’s the matter of the ideal time to marinate chicken, how to prep for even grilling, and tips so you aren’t left with tough, dried out meat.
Let’s Make This Together!
(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)
5-Minute Marinade Prep
You got this. All Day. Whisk together the chicken marinade in the dish you’ll be placing the meat in. Lazy hack – Instead of using freshly minced garlic, I often grab my refrigerated garlic paste tube (shh🤫). Before you throw the chicken in, it’s best to slightly pound the thicker parts so it’s even thickness.
Ideal marinate time
What trips up most home cooks when it comes to marinating meat? They will let it sit too long, which breaks down the meat so it becomes super tough after grilling. Or, they don’t let it marinate long enough and it can’t work its magic. I find the ideal time to be 3-6 hours, but at the very least plan on 1 hour.
Grilling brings you home
You have a stellar marinade, ideal time to infuse flavor, now it’s time to tie it all together. Don’t do what my father does to every grilled meat – cook it to oblivion. Grease the cooking grate and lay the chicken on for 5 minutes, undisturbed. It’s ready to flip when it releases from the grates easily.
Flip it over and cook for 3-6 minutes more, depending on the thickness of the meat. Be sure to use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temp, which should be 165ºF. Transfer it to a clean plate and loosely tent with foil before serving so all those juices get locked in!
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Other Ways to use this recipe
Besides gluten-free grilled chicken, this marinade also works for chicken thighs, tenderloins, chicken kabobs, or other meats such as pork tenderloin, pork chops, or steak. If using this marinade recipe on other meats or types of chicken, the grill times will vary.
Can you marinate the chicken and cook it another way? For sure. Discard the extra marinade and bake, air fry, or sizzle on the stove top. As with grilling, it’s recommended you prep the meat before marinating so it’s even thickness. This insures even cooking throughout, no matter what the method is.
- Baked chicken – Grease baking dish and bake at 425ºF for 20-25 minutes.
- Air Fry – Grease basket and preheat to 375ºF. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Stove Top – Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil. Cook chicken, undisturbed for 3 minutes, or until golden brown on on side. Flip and reduce heat to low. If the pan is dry, add a couple tablespoons water or broth. Cover and cook for 10 minutes more, or until internal temp is 165ºF.
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Yummiest 5-Minute Gluten-Free Marinade for Chicken
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free Worchestershire sauce, (Lea & Perrin's, US only)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard, or spicy brown mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 6 chicken breasts, lightly pounded into even thickness
Instructions
- If marinating the meat in a large bowl or dish, combine all the ingredients, except for meat, directly in the bowl. Otherwise whisk everything together in a small to medium bowl.¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons gluten-free Worchestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons dijon mustard, 4 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- Add the meat to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover securely and transfer to the refrigerator. Marinate for at least 1 hour, but I find 3-6 hours the ideal amount of time. I don't recommend longer than 12 hours because it changes the chicken's texture.6 chicken breasts
- Set the chicken at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the grill preheats to medium. Lightly grease the grates.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the rest. Grill for 5 minutes, undisturbed, on one side. Flip and grill for 3-6 minutes more, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165℉.
- Remove from the grill and loosely cover with foil. Rest for 3-5 minutes, before serving.
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