Craving a taste of the tropics? This Easy Island Chicken Marinade Recipe brings a burst of vibrant flavors to your table.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform ordinary chicken into a juicy, flavorful delight. Perfect for grilling or baking, this marinade will have you dreaming of sunny beaches and swaying palms.
Let’s get started!
Steps
- Heat the oils in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cover, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened but not browned.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the spices and brown sugar. This includes allspice, thyme, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Allow the residual heat to fully incorporate the sugar and spices into the onion mixture.
- Add the soy sauce and red wine vinegar to the mixture, stirring well. Ensure the marinade cools completely before using it to avoid cooking the meat prematurely.
- Once cooled, use the marinade to coat your choice of meat, such as chicken, pork, or steak. Marinate in the refrigerator, using appropriate marinating times for different proteins, to allow the flavors to infuse fully.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or organic canola oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
FAQ
- How long should I marinate chicken in the Island Chicken Marinade?
- For optimal results, marinate chicken for a duration of 4 to 24 hours. Avoid exceeding this time to prevent the meat from drying out.
- Can the Island Chicken Marinade be used for other types of proteins?
- Absolutely! Pork, beef, and other poultry can be marinated for 4 to 24 hours. For seafood, fish, and tofu, limit marinating to 30 minutes to 1 hour to avoid the marinade “cooking” the seafood.
- What are the storage and freezing recommendations for the marinade?
- This marinade can be stored in a clean jar in the fridge for several weeks due to its high salt and acid content. The oil may solidify, but simply return it to room temperature and stir before using. For longer storage, freeze the marinade in small containers, which last for several months.
- Is it possible to prepare the Island Chicken Marinade in advance?
- Yes, you can make a large batch of the marinade and divide it into smaller portions for future use. This is especially helpful when cooking for a big gathering or to have convenient ready-to-use portions.
- What are the grilling tips for marinated chicken?
- After marinating for 4 to 24 hours, remove excess marinade and dry the chicken with a paper towel. Preheat and oil your grill to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken, ensuring it reaches 165°F internally before serving. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting.
Tips
- Pre-Cook Onions and Garlic: For enhanced flavor, cook the onions and garlic before adding them to the marinade. This step helps to mellow the flavors and allows them to blend more seamlessly into the marinade mixture.
- Cool the Marinade: After preparing the marinade, ensure it is completely cooled before using it on meat. This prevents any accidental cooking of the meat’s exterior, ensuring even flavor absorption.
- Marination Time: For best results, marinate chicken for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat. Avoid marinating longer than recommended to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
- Grill Preparation: Before grilling, make sure the grill is preheated and clean. Lightly oil the grill rack just before placing the chicken on it to prevent sticking, especially since the marinade contains sugars that can caramelize.
Equipment
- Large Saucepan – A good quality saucepan for cooking the onion and garlic.
- Wire Grill Brush – For cleaning the grill before cooking.
- Instant-Read Thermometer (like Thermapen) – To accurately check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Long Tongs for Grilling – Useful for holding an oil-soaked paper towel to oil the grill rack.
