Our Best Chicken Marinade Recipes for Grilling All Summer Long

Recipe: Chicken Thigh Marinade

Thick, creamy buttermilk forms the base of this marinade, which is also packed with a whole cup of fresh herbs, a healthy smattering of garlic, and a splash of lime juice.

Recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken Kebabs

The lemony marinade gets a kick from crushed red pepper, a hint of sweetness from a drizzle of honey, and a burst of freshness from lots of cilantro. You'll use it to flavor skewered asparagus and chicken, but take your pick of vegetable if you fancy something else.

Recipe: Buttermilk Honey Chicken Kabobs

Hot sauce and black pepper are tapered by the tangy, creamy buttermilk, while toasted pecan pesto adds crunch and grilled lemon halves keep things light and bright.

Recipe: Spiced Chicken Vegetable Kebabs with Grilled Pita

The base of this marinade is a cup of whole-milk Greek yogurt. Mint and coriander keep the flavor profile interesting.

Recipe: Smoked Chicken with Fresh Herb Marinade

Bright hints of lemon, basil, and oregano cut through the smokiness of the hickory chips for one juicy, tender chicken. Don't blame us if this becomes your go-to marinade for the summer.

Recipe: Kebab Marinade

One step and uses pantry staples? Yes, please. This kebab marinade comes together in minutes and is a prime example of allowing simplicity to shine. Apple cider vinegar provides the tang, honey adds sweetness, and garlic packs a flavorful punch.

Recipe: Main-Dish Marinade

For the seasoned cooks (and the adventurous neophytes), here's our guide to making a marinade. You choose the ingredients, as long as some of them provide the necessary acid, sweetness, and salt — all of which play key roles in tenderizing, cooking, and flavoring the meat.

Recipe: Citrus Soy Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce

Thai-inspired skewers use ginger, lemongrass, fish sauce, and soy sauce to create a deliciously salty, but not overbearing, marinade for boneless chicken breasts that will add variety to your weeknight dinner rotation.