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Chicken Marinades for Easy Meal Prep Recipe

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3.8 from 205 reviews

Discover a variety of flavorful chicken marinades perfect for easy meal prep, paired with versatile cooking methods including slow cooker, Instant Pot, grill, air fryer, and oven for juicy, tender chicken every time.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lb. chicken breasts (for each marinade you make)

Marinades

  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons orange juice, (squeezed from about 1 orange)
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 clove garlic
  • pinch salt & pepper
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 Tablespoon minced ginger (about 1/2 inch)
  • 3 green onions (sliced)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup jarred pepperoncini liquid
  • 45 pepperoncini (sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 Tablespoons fajita seasoning
  • 3 Tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon minced cilantro (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 Tablespoons lemon juice (squeezed from about 11.5 lemons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 mango (pureed)
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon minced jalapeno
  • 1 Tablespoon lime juice (squeezed from about 1/2 lime)
  • 1 Tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
  • 56 dates (minced)
  • 2 Tablespoons grainy mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 Tablespoons olive or avocado oil

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade Mix all marinade ingredients together in a small dish.
  2. Marinate the Chicken Set the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, then turn the chicken so it’s fully coated on all sides. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Cook the Chicken Slow Cooker: Add the chicken and marinade to the slow cooker. Add 1/2 cup water or chicken stock. Turn on low and cook for 3-4 hours.Instant Pot: Add the chicken, marinade, and 1 cup of liquid, either chicken stock or water, to your Instant Pot. Close and turn to High Pressure for 15 minutes and allow for a natural pressure release.Grill: Preheat your grill to 400 Fahrenheit. Oil the grill grates well. Add the chicken to the grill, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165 Fahrenheit, per USDA. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before you slice it!Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375 Fahrenheit. Spray the basket lightly with oil, and add the chicken, leaving space between each breast. Close and cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 Fahrenheit. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before you slice it!Oven: Lay the chicken breasts on a parchment lined baking sheet. Set in a 400 Fahrenheit oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 Fahrenheit. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before you slice it!

Notes

  • Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Rest cooked chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and ensure tenderness.
  • You can cook the chicken using a variety of methods such as slow cooker, Instant Pot, grill, air fryer, or oven based on your preference and equipment.