How to Marinate Chicken

Take a look in your pantry (go ahead—we'll wait!): If you have ingredients like soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, balsamic vinegar and garlic, you can throw together a flavorful rub or marinade in minutes. That's all you need to take chicken breast from flat to bodacious, upping its juiciness without sacrificing its lean profile. It's even better when you opt for homemade over store-bought, because you're in charge of the ingredients. You can skip the preservatives, colorings and additives, keep sodium and sugar in check and choose olive oil (high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats) over the less-healthy oils used in many commercial marinades. Want a break from chicken? Try other meats such as fish or tofu.

Check out the slideshow above for a guide to marinating chicken and additional recipes.