Lovin' Lately no. 31
How my week went and 5 easy chicken marinades for your weekend BBQ
The Second Act is a weekly newsletter packed with obsessively-curated recommendations and ideas—let’s get to it!
Friday Wrap-Up ✨
Short work week, long weekend vibes. We celebrated my sweet daughter’s 4th birthday and I cannot believe she is already 4! Went down a newborn pic rabbit hole one night. There were tears. I made pasta from scratch and it was shockingly easy. Sweet little date night and the meal was delicious. I finished Tilt (loved it!) but whew… that open ending felt like the story was just beginning. I jumped straight into The Night He We Lost Him and I’m already fully sucked into the mystery.
Looking forward to a solo movie date, Friday pilates, and a slow Saturday morning with a coffee in hand at the farmers market. The rest of the weekend? Undecided, just hoping for sunshine, snacks, and some sweet time with my guy.
Whether you're hosting a Memorial Day BBQ, planning a laid-back summer cookout, or just trying to get ahead on weeknight dinners, these chicken marinades are a game changer. They're simple to prep, freezer-friendly, and packed with flavor, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up the sunshine.
Fire up the grill (or preheat the oven), these five foolproof marinades are ready to make your summer meals a whole lot tastier.
5 Easy Chicken Marinades for Make-Ahead Meals
Let’s be honest: plain chicken doesn’t exactly spark joy. But with the right marinade? It becomes the kind of weeknight hero you’ll want on repeat.
The Basics
Each marinade is designed for 1–1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Just mix, marinate, and cook (or freeze for later).
🌶️ Fajita Marinade
Zesty, smoky, and perfect for taco night.
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp minced garlic
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
🍋Lemon Garlic Marinade
Bright, herby, and fresh—great for springy salads or wraps.
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1 tbsp fresh dill
1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp honey or maple syrup
1/4 tsp salt
🔥 BBQ Chicken Marinade
Sweet, smoky, and a backyard classic.
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
🍯 Honey Mustard Marinade
Tangy with just the right amount of sweetness.
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
🍍 Pineapple Chicken Marinade
Tropical and tender—delicious over rice or grilled veggies.
1/4 cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
How to Use & Store
To marinate:
Add your chicken to a large ziplock bag, bowl, or container. Pour marinade over, seal/toss, and let sit for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours in the fridge).
To freeze:
Add chicken and marinade to a freezer-safe bag and store flat. Good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Cooking Methods
Oven:
Bake at 400ºF for 20–30 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160ºF.
Grill:
Grill over direct heat at 400ºF for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temp reaches 160ºF.
In case you missed it
The Second Act is an entirely reader-supported publication written and created by Danielle Wraith. Click here to subscribe or gift a friend a subscription here (if a friend sent you this —tell them thanks!). Anything you want covered? Questions? Reply with a comment below! You can also find me on Instagram. Please come say hi!
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