Choose a base: yogurt, oil, citrus juice, vinegar, or a combination
Add salt
Add black pepper
Add minced garlic
Add chopped or ground ginger
Add spices such as paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, or garam masala
Add herbs such as parsley, cilantro, thyme, rosemary, or oregano
Add a sweetener if desired, such as honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup
Mix all ingredients until well combined
Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade
Cover and refrigerate
Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours
Remove chicken from the marinade before cooking
Discard leftover marinade or boil it before using as a sauce