Easy Marinated Grilled Chicken
This Easy Marinated Grilled Chicken is a simple go-to for busy weeknights and summer dinners. Thin-sliced chicken is coated in a savory marinade with mayo, soy sauce or Worcestershire, garlic, and onion, then grilled until juicy and golden. Serve it on its own or slice it for salads, wraps, sandwiches, and bowls.
Ingredient
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken
If using whole chicken breasts, slice them horizontally into thin cutlets. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
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Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic salt, and meat tenderizer until well combined.
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Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken to the bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
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Preheat the Grill
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400–425°F. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates if needed.
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Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 3–5 minutes on the first side.
Flip and grill for another 3–5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until nicely browned and the thickest part reaches 165°F.
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Rest and Serve
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving or slicing.
Note
Because the chicken is sliced thin, it cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out.
The mayonnaise helps the chicken stay juicy while also helping it develop a nicely browned exterior on the grill.
You can use either soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Soy sauce gives it a slightly deeper savory flavor, while Worcestershire gives it a more classic grilled-meat flavor.
If your meat tenderizer is heavily salted, you may want to reduce the garlic salt slightly.
Don't reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken.
Make It a Meal
This chicken is really versatile. Serve it with grilled corn and potatoes, rice and vegetables, a simple salad, or pasta salad. Leftover chicken is also great sliced for wraps, sandwiches, salads, and rice bowls.
Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free soy sauce/tamari or a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check the label on your meat tenderizer. With those substitutions, the rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.