This Manti Miracle Chicken Tender Marinade is one of those tried-and-true recipes that families pass down, request frequently, and race for the leftovers. Known for its slightly sweet, savory, and juicy flavor, this simple marinade transforms everyday chicken into something truly special with just a few pantry ingredients!
Why you’ll love this manti marinade:
Originally inspired by a dish popular in the Manti region of Utah, this adapted version omits hard-to-find ingredients and uses chicken tenders or breast instead of turkey to create a family-friendly dish. Perfect for grilling season, meal prepping, freezer cooking, and quick weeknight dinners.
- Incredibly tender and juicy chicken
- Sweet and savory taste loved by children
- Minimal preparation with simple ingredients
- Perfect for grilling, grilling or pan cooking.
- Excellent for meal prep and freezer meals
This chicken tender marinade is reliable, delicious, and endlessly useful. Perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, freezer meals, and next-day lunches, it’s one of those recipes that everyone quietly wishes was back on the menu.
Tips for the best roast chicken:
- Let marinate for at least 6 hours—One night is ideal.
- Don’t overcook it—This marinade keeps the chicken juicy, but timing is still important
- Discard used marinade. To prevent sugar from burning on the grill
- Let the chicken rest. before cutting for maximum tenderness.
- Double your batch—Leftovers disappear quickly!
Ingredient Substitutions and Modifications:
- I am a willow tree: Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Sprite/7-Up: Lemon lime soda or ginger ale
- olive oil: Avocado oil or canola oil
- Horseradish: If you want a milder taste, omit it completely.
- chicken: Turkey breast, pork tenderloin, chicken thighs
Make-ahead and freezer meal options
- Freezer preparation: Place chicken and marinade in freezer-safe zip-top bags or double bags, label, and freeze.
- To cook: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook as directed.
- save: Cooked chicken stores well in the refrigerator. 3-4 days or freezer Up to 2 months.
This is a lifesaver for busy weeks and last minute dinners.
Easy serving suggestions
These chickens are incredibly versatile.
- Slice it and serve with it. Roasted Vegetables and Rice
- Cut and add Green salad or cabbage salad
- use Wraps, Sandwiches or Tacos
- Comes with Potato, corn on the cob or pasta salad
Leftovers are especially delicious chilled. Perfect for a quick lunch.
Our favorite leftover chicken recipes:
Manti Miracle Chicken Tender Marinade
Known for its slightly sweet, savory, and extremely juicy flavor, this simple marinade transforms everyday chicken into something truly special with just a few pantry ingredients.
Serving Size: 6
- 1/4 cup olive oil Or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup i am a willow tree
- 1 cup fairy or 7-Up
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon horseradish optional
- 1-1 1/2 pound Chicken tenders, chicken breast, or turkey breast
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Make the marinade: In a liquid measuring cup or large zip-top bag, combine olive oil, soy sauce, Sprite (or 7-Up), garlic salt, and horseradish (if using).
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Marinade the chicken: Add the chicken, seal, and refrigerate. 6 to 24 hoursFlip occasionally if possible (if using chicken tenders, marinate no longer than 12 hours).
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grill: Grill over medium heat until cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes per side.
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baking: Bake at 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes.
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Pan Cook: Heat skillet over medium heat and cook until golden brown.
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Rest and Service: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes before slicing or serving to let the juices reserve.
