Get ready to fall in love with Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken—a dish that packs every bite with bright citrus, aromatic ginger, and irresistible umami. It’s my go-to when I want juicy, flavorful chicken that’s practically effortless, but always gets rave reviews!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Major Flavor with Minimal Effort: The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing your chicken with layers of zesty, gingery, and savory notes in just a few hours.
- Juicy & Tender Every Time: The combination of lemon juice, soy sauce, and olive oil guarantees juicy meat whether you use thighs or breasts.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Versatile: Perfect for cookouts, meal prep, or easy weeknight dinners, this grilled chicken plays well with almost any side or salad.
- Naturally Healthy & Adaptable: Packed with protein and simple, wholesome ingredients—plus it’s easy to tweak for different diets or palates!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken is how so few ingredients come together for such big, vibrant flavor. Each element in this marinade plays a role—bringing brightness, rich savory notes, and a hint of zing that make this chicken unforgettable.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a burst of freshness and helps tenderize the chicken—freshly squeezed is a must!
- Soy Sauce: The backbone of umami and saltiness; it gives the chicken a deep savory flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade penetrate and keeps grilled chicken juicy.
- Fresh Ginger: Don’t skimp—minced ginger gives spicy warmth and fragrance that makes the dish pop!
- Garlic: Minced cloves add classic, mouthwatering aroma and a subtle bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds color, freshness, and a subtle herbaceous lift—plus it looks gorgeous as a garnish.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the other flavors into focus.
- Ground Black Pepper: For tiny sparks of heat that round out the marinade’s flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Use whichever you prefer—thighs are extra juicy while breasts soak up the marinade beautifully.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to switch things up—whether you’re accommodating special diets, using what’s already in your fridge, or just experimenting for fun. Don’t be afraid to make Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken your own!
- Make it Spicy: Add a chopped fresh chili or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap your regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Citrus Swap: Try lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a new citrus twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Use the same marinade on firm tofu or thick-cut portobello mushrooms—the flavors soak in beautifully!
How to Make Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced ginger, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. You’ll see and smell the vibrant flavors coming together—this zesty mix transforms the chicken with hardly any effort!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow bowl and pour the marinade evenly over each piece, making sure they’re well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then let it soak in the fridge for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high. Pat the chicken dry (this helps it brown beautifully), discard the leftover marinade, and grill the chicken—turning occasionally—until it’s cooked through and registers 165°F inside. The aroma is unreal!
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute and every bite stays tender. Slice, plate, and get ready for the flavor party—Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken truly shines warm off the grill.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Two hours is good, but marinating overnight really lets the ginger and citrus work their magic for the most vibrant results.
- Pat Dry Before Grilling: Removing excess marinade with a paper towel ensures better caramelization and gorgeous grill marks (not soggy chicken!).
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect, juicy chicken, pull it from the grill at precisely 165°F—no more guessing!
- Let It Rest: Don’t rush the resting time; just five minutes locks in juiciness and keeps the chicken succulent.
How to Serve Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives works wonders to brighten up the platter. I also love grating just a little lemon zest on top right before serving for a fragrant burst—a few scattered sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and finish, too.
Side Dishes
This chicken is a true team player! Serve it next to fluffy jasmine rice, a cool cucumber salad, or some quick-roasted vegetables. For something heartier, a pile of garlicky noodles or grilled corn on the cob make the meal complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Sliced Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken is perfect in grain bowls, tucked into lettuce wraps, or even loaded up in a pita with slaw and a drizzle of yogurt. Try skewering the marinated chicken as kebabs for a colorful party platter, or stack on sliders with a slather of spicy mayo!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to six days. The flavors only deepen over time, making the chicken even tastier for lunches or quick dinners!
Freezing
Cooked Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken freezes beautifully. Wrap it well or pack in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, and avoid microwaving on high so it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best, brightest flavor for the marinade. Bottled can work in a pinch, but you’ll miss out on that fresh citrus aroma and vibrant taste. If possible, always go fresh!
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How long should I marinate the chicken for the most flavor?
For the boldest Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken, marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight (up to 12 hours) is even better. Any longer and the lemon can start to break down the meat too much.
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What if I don’t have a grill—can I cook this chicken another way?
Absolutely! You can cook the marinated chicken on a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking, and aim for those beautiful golden caramelized edges.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales up perfectly. Make sure not to overcrowd your grill and marinate the chicken in batches if necessary so every piece is well coated and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh spin on grilled chicken, you’ll adore Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken. It’s a total flavor bomb with almost no fuss—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something deliciously different. Give it a try and let it become one of your favorite staples, too!
Print
Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Ginger Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken recipe is bursting with flavor and perfect for a summer barbecue. The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lemon, savory soy, and aromatic ginger, creating a delicious blend of tastes. Grilled to juicy perfection, this chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken:
- 1–1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined. This forms the marinade.
- Place chicken in a sealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels, discarding the marinade. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve the grilled chicken warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Store grilled chicken in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz (170g)
- Calories: 281 kcal
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Sodium: 1636mg
- Fat: 14.1g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4.2g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Protein: 34.7g
- Cholesterol: 143mg
