Looking for an easy and tasty way to make your chicken more delicious? This 4-Ingredient Chicken Marinade with Honey and Soy Sauce is the answer! Using just four simple ingredients—soy sauce, olive oil, honey, and garlic—you can make a flavorful easy soy sauce chicken marinade that gives your chicken a sweet and savory taste.
Whether you grill, bake, or cook the chicken on the stovetop, this marinade works great with any cooking method. It’s perfect for quick dinners or special meals. Plus, you can freeze the marinated chicken and cook it later for a fast and delicious meal. Try this easy marinade and enjoy juicy, tender chicken every time!
Ingredients
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- Honey (or brown sugar for sweetness)
- Garlic, minced (or garlic powder)
How To Make 4 Ingredient Chicken Marinade With Honey and Soy Sauce
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, honey, and minced garlic until well blended.
Coat the Chicken: Add your chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, etc.) to a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-covered. Close the bag or cover the dish tightly.
Marinating Period: Allow the chicken to soak in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, let it sit for 2–4 hours. For the richest taste, marinate it overnight.
Cooking Instructions: After marinating, prepare the chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-cooking it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How To Freeze Honey Soy Chicken Marinade
To freeze marinated chicken,place it in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze flat for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for a quick, flavorful meal.
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4 Ingredient Chicken Marinade With Soy Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or any neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar for a different sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil (or another neutral oil if preferred), honey (or brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness), and minced garlic (or garlic powder as an alternative). Make sure everything is well-blended. This mixture will create a savory, slightly sweet marinade that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place your chicken pieces—whether you’re using breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even tenderloins—into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is fully coated in the sauce. Massage the marinade into the chicken if using a bag, or turn the chicken pieces around in the marinade in a dish. Seal the bag tightly, or cover the dish with plastic wrap, to keep everything airtight and prevent leaks.
Step 3: Marinate Time
- Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors begin to infuse. For a richer taste, aim to marinate for 2–4 hours. If you want a truly intense flavor, marinating overnight is ideal, but don’t exceed 24 hours to avoid over-tenderizing the meat, which can alter the texture.
Step 4: Cook as Desired
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking, as this helps it cook evenly. Then, choose your cooking method:
Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken, turning it once or twice, until cooked through, with a slight char. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the pieces.
Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken in a baking dish and bake until cooked through, around 20–30 minutes depending on the cut and thickness.
Stovetop:
- Warm a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Add the chicken to the pan, cooking each side for roughly 5–7 minutes, or until both sides are nicely browned and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Regardless of the method, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.