3 Easy chicken Marinades to Grill Now or Freeze for Later
These 3 healthy chicken marinades are perfect for summer grilling and meal prep. Try Peach Balsamic Chicken Skewers with Burrata, Spicy Dill Pickle Grilled Chicken, and Orange Chili Garlic Bowls. Quick, freezer-friendly, and loaded with flavor.
Creator: Leslie Stokes
Let me just say: if you’ve been stuck in a chicken rut, these 3 marinades are about to save your summer dinners. They’re bold, fresh, and actually fun to make — and the best part? You can prep them ahead and freeze the chicken right in the marinade. Zero stress, maximum flavor.
These aren’t your average marinades. We’re talking:
juicy Peach Balsamic Chicken Skewers grilled with fresh peaches and red onion, served over arugula with burrata and balsamic glaze (the kind of meal that looks fancy but takes no time at all),
tangy Spicy Dill Pickle Chicken that’s ridiculously flavorful and perfect for sandwiches or wraps,
and a sweet and spicy Orange Chili Garlic Chicken that pairs with rice bowls or grilled veggies like a dream.
I made all three of these in one week (because content, lol) and every single one was a hit. My kids loved the peach one — especially with the creamy burrata — and I kept stealing bites of the dill pickle chicken from the fridge cold. Don’t judge me.
They’re also perfect for batching: double the recipe, freeze half, grill the other. I even love making these with chicken thighs for more flavor, but breasts or tenders work too.
So if you’re ready to give your grilled chicken a major glow-up — or just want something that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more exciting — you’ve got to try these. Let’s get to the recipes!
Tips for Freezing
How to Freeze Chicken in Marinade (and Make Weeknights 100x Easier)
Freezing marinated chicken is one of my favorite prep-ahead hacks—especially in the summer when I want dinner ready before the chaos starts. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
I like to use reusable silicone Stasher bags or gallon-size zip-top freezer bags for this. They lay flat and stack easily in the freezer.
2. Add raw chicken + marinade straight into the bag.
No need to marinate first! Add everything to the bag, seal it up, press out the air, and freeze. The chicken will marinate as it thaws.
3. Label with the marinade flavor + date.
Trust me—once it’s frozen solid, they all look the same. A Sharpie or masking tape works great.
4. Freeze up to 3 months.
These marinades are freezer-friendly and will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or run under cold water for a quick defrost.
5. Cook however you like.
Grill, bake, sauté, or air fry once thawed. These work with boneless skinless thighs, breasts, or drumsticks—whatever you’ve got on hand.
Dill Pickle Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1/2 cup dill pickle juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp hot sauce like Frank’s Red Hot
- 1 tsp dried dill or 1 tbsp fresh
- Optional: 2 tbsp chopped pickles for texture
Let's Make It
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl or bag.
- Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight). Freezer-friendly!
- Grill or cook in a skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Slice and serve in wraps, sandwiches, or over salad with creamy ranch slaw.
Notes
Peach Balsamic Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 ripe peach mashed or blended
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or hot honey for extra sweetness I recommend
Let's Make It
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the peach, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional honey.
- Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours). Can freeze in marinade.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with fresh peach slices and red onion chunks.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and lightly charred.
- Serve over a bed of arugula with torn burrata and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Orange Chili Garlic Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 –2 tsp chili garlic sauce adjust to heat preference
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt to taste
Let's Make It
- Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pour over chicken in a bag or dish and marinate 30 minutes to 12 hours. You can freeze this too!
- Grill or sauté in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Serve over rice with grilled zucchini or toss into a stir-fry.
