Mom’s Chicken Marinade

 

This simple, flavor-packed marinade is a family favorite, creating incredibly juicy and savory chicken every time. Perfect for grilling or baking!

Yields: Marinade for 4 chicken breasts

Ingredients

• ½ cup olive oil

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoons liquid smoke

• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the 4 chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish with a tight-fitting lid. Set aside.

2. Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl or a large liquid measuring cup, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is well blended and slightly emulsified.

3. Marinate: Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s completely covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 2-3 hours.

4. Cook: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid.

5. Grill or bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Why the Rewrite Works:

• Engaging Introduction: Starts with a short, enticing description to hook the reader.

• Structured Format: Uses clear headings (Ingredients, Instructions) and bullet points for easy scanning.

• Active Voice: Phrases like “Place the chicken” and “Whisk vigorously” are more direct and instructional.

• Clarity and Detail: Instructions are broken into distinct, logical steps (e.g., “Prepare the Chicken” first). It specifies to discard the used marinade for food safety.

• Standardized Language: Uses common recipe terms like “combine,” “whisk,” and “emulsified.”

• Final Touch: Includes a “let rest” step for a juicier result, a tip appreciated by cooks of all levels.