When boring chicken needs some serious flavor TLC, do it the easy way with paleo chicken marinades 5 ways. Five totally different, crazy flavorful marinades you can make quickly and easily. Simple ingredients, Whole30 options, and loads of variety!
Gimme those easy grilled chicken recipes and I give you one happy momma.
I love chicken on the grill – it’s just so quick and easy, healthy and clean, deliciously juicy and perfect for leftovers. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
So when I want to jazz up a boring piece of chicken, it’s all about da marinades. Seriously though, a good marinade can transform typical, plain ‘ol chicken into a the meal of all meals, rivaling a micheln-star restaurant.
That’s how much a good chicken marinade means to me. And why I felt compelled to write this paleo chicken marinades 5 ways post.
These bomb dot com marinade recipes will blow you mind this grilling season (or all year long, if we’re being honest). And not just one or two marinade recipes, FIVE. Here are my five FAVORITE chicken marinade recipes to date!
*all recipes make enough marinade for roughly 4 chicken breasts
Chicken Marinade 5 Ways
#1. Lemon & Herb Chicken Marinade
So fresh and pretty! This lemon & herb chicken marinade has the perfect hint of lemon with fragrant fresh herbs.
Chicken Marinade 5 Ways – Recipe #1: Lemon & Herb Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 3 green onions (*including the whites)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 clove minced garlic
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and pour over chicken to marinate overnight, or at least 2 hours before cooking
#2. Everyday Chicken Marinade
A classic chicken marinade you can have in your back pocket anytime. This every day chicken marinade is so versatile!
Chicken Marinade 5 Ways – Recipe #2: Everyday Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and pour over chicken to marinate overnight, or at least 2 hours before cooking
#3. Coconut Curry Chicken Marinade
If exotic is your thing, this coconut curry chicken marinaded is right up your ally!
Chicken Marinade 5 Ways – Recipe #3: Coconut Curry Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup light coconut milk
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 5 tablespoons curry powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and pour over chicken to marinate overnight, or at least 2 hours before cooking
#4. Tequila Lime Chicken Marinade
It’s like a fiesta in every bite. If margaritas are your gig, you’re going to LOVE this tequila lim chicken marinade.
Chicken Marinade 5 Ways – Recipe #4: Tequila Lime Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tequila
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- *optional: 2 tablespoons raw honey
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and pour over chicken to marinate overnight, or at least 2 hours before cooking
#5. Sweet Asian Marinade
It’s sweet and savory – so perfect for so many different meals. This sweet asian marinade is a total winner you’ll have on rotation for sure.
Chicken Marinade 5 Ways – Recipe #5: Sweet Asian Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup aminos
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons raw honey
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and pour over chicken to marinate overnight, or at least 2 hours before cooking
Enjoy ALL the variety to make chicken a staple dinner multiple times a week with all the paleo marinades 5 ways.
Need ideas for easy sides? Try this Grilled Golden Cauliflower side, Walnut Pesto Roasted Potatoes, Whole30 Pina Colada Coleslaw, or Sweet Potato Quinoa Moroccan Salad.
I love this! Chicken can get so boring, so I love these ways to change it up! I’m saving this for future use but trying the lemon herb ASAP!
Question…for someone who is allergic to coconut, have you seen substitutes for coconut aminos?