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best summer chicken marinades Smoked chicken thighs with crispy caramelized skin made using a sweet and smoky lemon garlic marinade with honey and smoked paprika.

Simple Dijon Garlic Chicken Marinade

This is the marinade I make when I want something easy that works on literally everything. It has just enough acidity to tenderize the chicken, Dijon mustard for depth, garlic for flavor, and a simple seasoning blend that lets the chicken shine.
The best part? You probably already have everything in your pantry.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Marinating time 4 hours
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup white vinegar
  • 2 –3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 –4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp -2 Montreal steak seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, paprika, and parsley.
  • Add Montreal seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Add chicken and toss until fully coated.
  • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  • Grill or smoke until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Grilling Instructions

  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400–425°F).
  • Chicken breasts: 6–8 minutes per side.
  • Chicken thighs: 7–9 minutes per side.
  • Wings: 20–25 minutes total.
  • Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Smoker Instructions

  • Set smoker to 250°F.
  • Wings: 60–90 minutes.
  • Thighs: 90–120 minutes.
  • Breasts: 75–90 minutes.
  • Smoke until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.