Manti Miracle Chicken Tender Sauce is one of those tried-and-true recipes that families pass down, request often, and race for leftovers. Known for its sweet, savory, and extremely juicy flavor, this simple marinade turns everyday chicken into something truly special—with just a handful of pantry ingredients!
Why you’ll love this manti marinade:
Originally inspired by a regional favorite from Manti, Utah, this modified version keeps things easy and family-friendly by skipping hard-to-find ingredients and using chicken tenders or chicken breasts instead of turkey. It’s perfect for grilling season, meal prep, freezer cooking, and quick weeknight dinners.
- Incredibly tender and juicy chicken
- Sweet and salty flavor that kids love
- Simple preparation with simple ingredients
- Perfect for grilling, baking or pan cooking
- Excellent for meal prep and freezer meals
Tender, delicious, and beneficial chicken marinade can be relied upon endlessly. It’s great for backyard barbecues, weekend dinners, freezer cookouts, and next-day lunches—and it’s one of those recipes that everyone quietly hopes will be on the menu again.
Tips for the best grilled chicken:
- Soak at least 6 hours– Overnight is ideal
- Do not overcook food-This marinade keeps the chicken tender, but timing is still important
- Discard used marinade To avoid burning sugars on the grill
- Let the chicken rest Pre-cut for maximum tenderness
- Double the payment– Leftovers disappear quickly!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:
- soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Sprite/7-August: Lemon soda or ginger ale
- olive oil: Avocado oil or canola oil
- Radish: Omit it completely for a milder flavour
- Chicken: Turkey breast, ham, or chicken thighs
Make-Ahead & Freezer Meal Option
- Prepare the freezer: Add the chicken and marinade to a freezer-safe ziplock bag, double bag, label, and freeze.
- To cook: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook as directed.
- storage: Store well-cooked chicken in the refrigerator for a period of time 3-4 days Or freezer for Up to two months.
This makes it a lifesaver for busy weeks and last-minute dinners.
Easy service suggestions
This chicken is incredibly versatile:
- Slice and serve with Grilled vegetables and rice
- Cut and add to Green salads or cabbage salads
- Use in Wraps, sandwiches or tacos
- Serve alongside Potatoes, corn on the cob, or pasta salad
Leftovers are especially cold, perfect for quick lunches.
Our favorite recipes for leftover chicken:
Manti miracle marinated chicken tenders
Known for its sweet, savory, and extremely juicy flavor, this simple marinade turns everyday chicken into something truly special—with just a few pantry ingredients.
Meals: 6
- 1/4 cup olive oil Or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup ghost Or 7 ab
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Radish My choice
- 1-1 1/2 pound Chicken tenders, chicken breasts, or turkey breasts
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Make the marinade: Combine olive oil, soy sauce, Sprite (or 7-Up), garlic salt, and horseradish (if using) in a liquid measuring cup or large zip-top bag.
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Chicken marinade: Add the chicken, close it, and leave it in the refrigerator 6-24 hoursStirring occasionally if possible (if using chicken pieces, do not marinate for more than 12 hours).
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barbeque: Grill over medium heat for 4-6 minutes per side until cooked.
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bread: Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes.
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Cook pan: Cook in a frying pan over medium heat until golden and cooked.
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Comfort and service: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carving or serving it to preserve the juices.