Grilling season is upon us, and if you’re anything like me, you’re on the hunt for that perfect chicken marinade—something that sends your taste buds into a delightful frenzy with every bite. I remember last summer, trying out a new marinade recipe while the kids played in the yard; the aroma, an intoxicating mix of herbs and spices, caught the neighbors’ attention more than the smoke! Get ready to transform your backyard into a culinary paradise with these ultimate marinades that will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe thirds.
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, dried rosemary, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to make the marinade.
- Set aside half a cup of the prepared marinade for basting the chicken during cooking.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal the bag securely and gently massage the marinade into the chicken.
- Refrigerate the marinating chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally between 4 to 6 hours for optimal flavor infusion.
- For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off before placing it on the grill.
- Grill the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F and place the marinated chicken on a shallow baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, basting frequently, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For stovetop cooking, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat, lightly grease it, and cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure juiciness.
- Optionally, boil the reserved marinade until slightly reduced to create a flavorful sauce to accompany the chicken.
Ingredients
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (or other vinegar)
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ? cup lemon juice
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or Spicy Brown mustard)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 6 chicken breasts or 3.5 pounds of chicken pieces
Nutritional Values
Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 6246mg | Potassium: 462mg | Sugar: 60g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 16.8mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 4.2mg
FAQ
- What types of chicken can I use with this marinade?
- You can use any type of chicken you prefer, including breasts, thighs, drumsticks, tenders, with or without skin, and bone-in or boneless. Keep in mind that varying cuts might require different cooking times. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- How long should I marinate the chicken for optimal flavor?
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can leave it overnight for enhanced flavor. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as it can toughen the meat. If short on time, poke holes in the chicken with a fork to help the marinade penetrate more quickly.
- Is it possible to freeze chicken in the marinade?
- Yes, you can freeze marinated chicken. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe resealable bag with the marinade and freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- What are the best ways to cook marinated chicken?
- Marinated chicken can be grilled, baked, or cooked on the stovetop. Each method has its own instructions for achieving the best results, such as preheating and ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
- Can the marinade be used for other meats or vegetables?
- Absolutely! Though it’s designed for chicken, this marinade can also enhance the flavors of vegetables, pork, and beef. Experiment with different ingredients to discover your favorite combinations.
Tips
- Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the chicken for 4 to 6 hours, but if you’re pressed for time, even 30 minutes will impart great flavor. Remember, the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
- Cooking Temperature: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it’s cooked through and safe to eat. Whether grilling, baking, or using the stovetop, this is a crucial step.
- Basting for Flavor: Reserve some of the marinade for basting. This will enhance the flavor as the chicken cooks, keeping it moist and delicious. Just ensure any marinade used for basting is not the same batch that had raw chicken in it unless it has been boiled.
- Resting the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken.
Equipment
- Grill or Griddle: If you plan to grill the chicken, a grill (gas, charcoal, or electric) or an indoor stovetop grill pan/griddle for those grill marks would be useful.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining marinade ingredients.
- Whisk: For mixing the marinade ingredients together.
- Resealable Plastic Bags: For marinating the chicken.
- Baking Sheet or Pan: If opting to bake the chicken, a shallow baking sheet or pan is needed.
- Tongs: For handling the chicken while grilling or cooking on the stovetop.
- Basting Brush: To apply the reserved marinade to the chicken during cooking.
- Aluminum Foil: For tenting the grilled chicken to let it rest.
