8 Easy Healthy Chicken Marinade Recipes (Whole30 Paleo Keto)

Name: 8 Easy Healthy Chicken Marinade Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup coconut aminos; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons Real Salt Lemon Pepper Seasoning; 1/4 cup avocado oil; 1/4 cup lime juice; 2 tablespoons homemade taco fajita seasoning; 3 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/4 cup coconut aminos; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 cup avocado oil; 2 tablespoons Homemade Blackened Seasoning; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons Homemade Mediterranean Seasoning; 1/4 cup avocado oil; 2 tablespoons coconut aminos; 2 tablespoons honey

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by Nikki // June 10, 2020

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8 Easy Healthy Chicken Marinade Recipes (Whole30 Paleo Keto) – Simple, flavorful ingredients come together in these healthy chicken marinade recipes. Also perfect for freezing and make ahead meals! Paleo, Keto, and Whole30 friendly.

Bored with plain grilled chicken? I’ve got you covered! You can add big flavor with ease, with these 8 simple healthy chicken breast marinade recipes. They are healthy, use only a few basic ingredients, and can be frozen for future meals. I never tire of chicken for dinner but I know many do so I wanted to provide you with some ideas for keeping it interesting! Best of all, these chicken marinade recipes contain only clean ingredients and no sugars or preservatives like the store bought bottled marinades.

Here you will find simple recipes for Lemon Pepper, Asian, Honey Garlic, Mediterranean, Garlic Herb, Blackened, Fajita, and Rosemary Dijon marinades. Try one or try them all – you won’t be disappointed! And if you like these recipes, check out my Mix and Match Chicken Foil Packets, Grilled Steak Kabobs with Veggies, or Air Fryer Chicken Wings – 5 Ways.

How to Make Good Chicken Marinade

My recipe for a good marinade contains a healthy fat like avocado or olive oil, an acid component (such as red wine vinegar or lemon juice), and plenty of seasoning in the form of dried or fresh herbs and spices. For the recipes here, olive oil and avocado oil can be used interchangeably. My rule of thumb is about 1/2 cup of marinade per 1-1.5 lbs of chicken breasts. I like to marinate for at least 30 minutes to really infuse the flavor. If I’m making ahead, I place the marinated chicken directly in the freezer to save for future meals.

Chicken Breast Dry Rub Recipes

For these marinades, I use my homemade seasoning blends to bring in lots of flavor. They can also be used as a dry rub on any kind of meat – pork, chicken, steak, fish, etc. The different flavor profiles make it easy to customize your meal. One of my favorites is the Homemade Blackened Seasoning Mix for chicken and salmon!

How to Cook Marinated Chicken on the Grill

After marinating for at least 30 minutes, the chicken can be cooked on a grill over medium high heat, flipping once throughout cooking. A typical chicken breast will be cooked through after about 5 minutes per side. Cooking time should be increased for larger, thicker chicken breasts. Alternatively, the chicken be frozen in the marinade until ready to use. For frozen chicken breasts, simply place in the refrigerator until thawed and grill accordingly.

How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Air Fryer

If you prefer not to grill your chicken and want a super easy meal for dinner, try the air fryer! The marinated chicken breasts can be cooked right from frozen and come out perfectly cooked and super juicy! To use the air fryer, place frozen chicken breasts in the basket and set the temperature to 370 degrees. Set the timer for 10 minutes, flip the chicken, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until done. Pro tip…try using these parchment liners to limit the amount of clean up necessary! Note: cooking time may vary depending on the brand of air fryer you have. I own a GoWise 5.8 quart Air Fryer and love it!

Sides for Healthy Chicken Marinades

Need some quick healthy side dish ideas to pair with your chicken? Here are a few of our favorites:

Instant Pot Rice (3 Ways)

Roasted Air Fryer Potatoes

Curried Broccoli Slaw

Herb Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Greek Wedge Salad with Tzatziki Sauce

Summer Veggie Skillet

Instant Pot Potato Cauliflower Mash

Rainbow Veggie Rice

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originally published June 10, 2020 — last updated June 9, 2021 // 8 Comments

Posted in: Food, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, Main Dish, Meal Prep, Paleo, Recipes, Whole30