15 Easy Chicken Marinades for Freezer to Grill

Summer grilling recipes are one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table fast, and having a freezer stocked with ready-to-grill chicken makes it even easier. These 15 easy chicken marinades take just minutes to prep and turn plain chicken into a delicious family dinner.

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I know you are going to love these Summer Grilling Recipes. I’m sharing my favorite marinade recipes, plus a free printable label set to help you stay organized. Mix up a few batches, freeze them flat, and you’ll be ready for stress-free summer meals all season long!

1. Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade

This Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade is light, bright, and full of fresh flavor. It’s perfect for summer cookouts and pairs beautifully with grilled veggies. The olive oil and lemon juice help keep the chicken tender and juicy while grilling. I love serving this with grilled asparagus and a side of pasta salad.

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2. Honey Soy Sauce Garlic Marinade

This Honey Soy Garlic Marinade is one of my go-to recipes when I need dinner to be both easy and full of flavor. The sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fresh garlic come together for a simple mix that turns plain chicken into a juicy, sticky, flavor-packed meal. Perfect for grilling, baking, or tossing in the air fryer, this marinade works for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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3. Southwest Chipotle Chicken Marinade

Bold, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy—this Southwest Chipotle Chicken Marinade brings the heat and is full of flavor. The chipotle chili powder adds a rich, deep flavor with a hint of heat, perfect for grilling or baking in the oven. It’s inspired by the bold taste of southwest cooking and is an easy way to spice up your weeknight chicken routine. Just marinate and let those smoky flavors do all the work.

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4. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Marinade

This pineapple teriyaki chicken is bursting with sweet and savory flavor that your whole family will love. The pineapple marinade for chicken adds a tropical twist, while the rich teriyaki marinade makes the chicken tender and juicy. It’s perfect for the grill, oven, or air fryer. Whether you’re craving grilled teriyaki chicken or prepping freezer meals, this easy recipe brings a big flavor with simple ingredients.

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5. Greek Yogurt Herb Chicken Marinade

This Greek yogurt chicken marinade is creamy, herby, and packed with flavor. The Greek yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s perfect for healthy marinated chicken—great on the grill, baked in the oven, or tossed in a salad. If you’ve never tried a yogurt chicken recipe, this is a must for easy, fresh weeknight dinners.

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6. Mango Lime Chicken Marinade

This mango lime chicken is bright, fresh, and perfect for summer grilling. The sweet mango marinade pairs beautifully with zesty lime to create a tropical flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making chicken with mango for tacos, rice bowls, or salads, this recipe brings a juicy twist to dinner. It’s one of my favorite mango chicken recipes to prep ahead and freeze for busy nights.

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7. Dill Pickle Chicken Marinade

This dill pickle chicken marinade is tangy, juicy, and full of bold flavor with hardly any effort. The pickle juice chicken marinade tenderizes the meat and adds a salty, savory kick that makes every bite delicious. It’s one of those fun, unexpected ideas that actually works—perfect for oven baking, grilling, or air frying. If you’ve never tried pickle-marinated chicken, this is the one to start with. It’s a must-try pickle chicken recipe!

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8. Orange Ginger Chicken Marinade

Bursting with a bright citrus flavor, an orange juice chicken marinade brings juicy, tender results every time. Sweet orange pairs perfectly with warm spices like cumin and ginger for a bold orange ginger chicken that feels both light and comforting. Whether you’re cooking indoors or making grilled orange chicken, the flavors pop in every bite. It’s one of the easiest ways to change up your go-to citrus chicken marinade.

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9. Basil Pesto Chicken Marinade

Fresh basil, zesty lemon, and savory pesto come together for a bright and flavorful pesto chicken marinade that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, the bold flavor of basil pesto chicken makes it an easy favorite. It’s one of those healthy chicken pesto meals that tastes like summer in every bite. Try it with pasta, roasted veggies, or as a juicy oven-baked pesto chicken.

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10. Coconut Lime Herb Chicken Marinade

Creamy coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and herbs create a tropical twist in this flavorful coconut lime chicken marinade. The combination is light, zesty, and perfect for summer grilling or easy weeknight meals. It’s one of my favorite lime chicken recipes to prep ahead, especially when I’m craving something a little different. You’ll love how tender the chicken gets with this coconut chicken marinade and the flavor pairs perfectly with rice or fresh veggies. Great if you’re looking for a tasty way to use coconut milk recipes.

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11. Peanut Lime Chicken Marinade

Creamy peanut butter, fresh lime, and a splash of soy sauce come together in this bold and flavorful Thai peanut chicken marinade. It’s rich, savory, and just a little tangy—perfect for the grill, oven, or even skewers. This Thai chicken marinade makes the chicken super tender and packed with that classic satay-style flavor. If you’re looking for an easy peanut chicken recipe with a big taste, this one’s always a hit. I love using it for grilled peanut chicken with a side of rice or crunchy slaw.

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12. Beer & Mustard Chicken Marinade

Bold, tangy, and full of flavor, this beer and mustard chicken marinade is perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners. A splash of beer adds depth while Dijon brings a zesty kick that makes the chicken tender and juicy. It’s one of my go-to mustard chicken marinade recipes when I want something a little different but still simple to prep. Whether you’re grilling or baking, this beer-marinated chicken turns out mouthwatering every time—definitely one of the best grilled chicken marinades I’ve made.

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13. Balsamic Rosemary Chicken Marinade

Savory, tangy, and full of fresh herb flavor, this rosemary balsamic chicken marinade is perfect for any night you want a little something special. The balsamic vinegar adds richness while the rosemary brings that fresh, earthy aroma that makes this one of my favorite grilled rosemary chicken recipes. It pairs beautifully with veggies and potatoes, or tossed into a salad. If you love simple chicken and rosemary recipes, this one’s easy to prep and full of flavor. Try it as a go-to for your summer grilled chicken recipes.

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14. Sesame Soy Sauce Chicken Marinade

Sweet, savory, and full of umami flavor, this sesame soy sauce chicken marinade is perfect when you’re craving takeout-style chicken at home. Toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh garlic come together in a quick and easy Asian marinade for chicken that’s packed with flavor. Great for stir-fries, rice bowls, or skewers, this sesame ginger chicken marinade brings a bold taste without a lot of prep. If you love simple sesame chicken recipes, you’ll want to keep this one on repeat.

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15. Spicy Cajun Chicken Marinade

Packed with bold spice and smoky flavor, this Cajun chicken marinade is perfect for anyone who loves a little heat. A blend of classic Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a touch of oil makes this one of my favorite grilled chicken recipes for summer cookouts or meal prep. It’s an easy Cajun recipe that works in the skillet, oven, grill, or even slow cooker. If you’re looking for flavorful Cajun marinated chicken, this one is juicy, simple, and full of Southern flair.

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5 Bonus Chicken Marinated

🧄 1. Garlic Parmesan Marinade

Savory and cheesy — great for grilled chicken breasts.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper

🌿 2. Lemon Dill Marinade

Light and fresh — perfect for summer.

• Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill (or 2 tsp dried dill)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt & pepper

🍏 3. Apple Cider Marinade

Slightly sweet and tangy — great with grilled veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt & pepper

🧅 4. French Onion Marinade

Rich, savory flavor — a little different and so good!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Pepper to taste

🥭 5. Coconut Mango Marinade

Tropical and creamy — no curry paste.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup mango puree (fresh or frozen)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt & pepper

General Instructions for Bonus Marinades

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients.
2. Place raw chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and gently move the chicken around to coat it evenly.
4. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing completely.
5. Lay the bag flat, label it, and freeze for up to 3 months.
6. To cook: Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Discard the marinade and grill the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
7. These marinades are freezer-friendly and work great for meal prep. You can also use it with pork, shrimp, or grilled vegetables.
   

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long can I freeze chicken in marinade?

You can safely freeze chicken in marinade for up to 3 months. I recommend labeling your bags with the date so you can use them while the flavors are at their best.

Do I really need to thaw before grilling?

Yes, for best results, move your marinated chicken to the fridge the night before you plan to grill. Let it thaw completely before cooking to ensure even grilling and the best texture.

If the weather is not cooperating, can I bake the marinated chicken instead of grilling?

Yes! These recipes are perfect for baking or air frying. Bake at 400°F until fully cooked, 165°F internal temperature.

What type of chicken works best for these marinades?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. You can also use drumsticks or wings — just adjust grilling time as needed.

Do I need to discard the marinade after thawing?

Yes, always discard the marinade after thawing. Do not reuse it for basting or sauce.

Tips for Best Results

• Freeze the bags flat for easy stacking.
• Label everything so you remember what’s in each bag.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for easy grilling.
• Always discard used marinade (don’t reuse for basting).
• Use a meat thermometer. This is the easiest way to avoid overcooking — remove chicken from the grill when it reaches 165°F for perfectly juicy results.

More Easy Summer Dinner Ideas

• Italian Grilled Chicken Skewers – Easy Chicken Kabobs
• Grilled Bang Bang Chicken Skewers or Grilling Pan
• Best Easy Summer Salads Refreshing Recipes Ideas