Marinating chicken before grilling or baking can infuse it with extra flavor and moisture, ensuring tender and juicy results every time. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating the perfect chicken marinade. With the right combination of ingredients, you can bring out the best in simple chicken breasts, thighs, or wings. Read on for tips, tricks, and recipes to marinate chicken for unforgettable barbecue.
Why Marinate Chicken?
Marinating chicken has a number of benefits:
- Enhances flavor – Marinades impart chicken with spice, acidity, sweetness, and aromatics for mouthwatering depth of flavor. A marinade can turn a plain chicken breast into something irresistible.
- Tenderizes meat – Acidic ingredients like citrus juice, vinegar, yogurt, and wine work to break down tough connective tissues in meat. This leads to more tender and juicy chicken after cooking.
- Adds moisture – Even lean chicken breasts can dry out easily on the grill or when baked. The moist environment of a marinade helps chicken retain its natural juices during cooking.
- Prevents sticking – The sugars and oil in a good marinade also create a protective coating, preventing chicken from sticking to the grill grates or pan.
- Infuses seasoning – A marinade allows seasoning to penetrate deep into the chicken for flavor through and through.
Tips for Marinating Chicken
Follow these tips to get the most out of your chicken marinade:
- Marinate in the refrigerator – For food safety, always marinate chicken in the fridge, not at room temperature. Cold temperatures prevent bacterial growth.
- Use a non-reactive dish – Glass, ceramic, and stainless steel are good choices. Avoid aluminum and reactive metals like copper. Acids in a marinade can react with these metals and cause off flavors.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes – Short marinating times don’t allow the flavors to penetrate fully. For best results, marinate chicken for 1-24 hours.
- Flip the bag occasionally – If marinating chicken in a plastic bag, flip it over once or twice to redistribute the marinade.
- Pat chicken dry – Always remove chicken from the marinade and pat it dry before cooking. This allows for better browning.
- Discard used marinade – Never reuse a raw chicken marinade, as it can contain bacteria. Reserve a portion before adding raw chicken if you want to use it as a sauce.
Simple Marinade Ingredients
With a few pantry staples, you can whip up a quick and tasty chicken marinade:
Acidic Ingredients
Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, and yogurt tenderize chicken and impart tangy flavor. Good options include:
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- White vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Rice vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Red or white wine vinegar
- Buttermilk
- Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
Oils and Fats
Adding oil or other fats helps coat the chicken to seal in moisture and prevent sticking. Opt for heart-healthy olive oil or avocado oil. Butter and coconut oil also work well.
Fresh Herbs
Chopped fresh herbs infuse marinades with bright, aromatic flavor. Try popular herbs like:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Sage
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Chives
- Tarragon
Spices and Seasonings
Spices add warmth, sweetness, and spice to chicken. Consider:
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Curry powder
- Ginger
- Pepper
- Salt
Sweeteners
A touch of sweetness balances out the other flavors in a marinade. Good options are:
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Molasses
- Jam/jelly
- Fruit juice
Marinade Flavor Combos
Mix and match ingredients from the lists above to create your own signature marinades. Here are some tasty combinations to inspire you:
Greek yogurt marinade – Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Asian ginger marinade – Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and chili flakes.
Jamaican jerk marinade – Lime juice, olive oil, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, brown sugar, habanero peppers, and garlic.
Chimichurri marinade – Olive oil, parsley, cilantro, oregano, thyme, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mediterranean marinade – Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, dried oregano, minced shallots, honey, and crushed red pepper.
Tandoori marinade – Plain yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and salt.
Mojo marinade – Orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, oregano, garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
Tequila-lime marinade – Tequila, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, minced garlic, and chili powder.
Best Marinades for Grilled Chicken
Grilling over direct high heat can quickly dry out chicken. An intensely flavored, slightly oily marinade helps keep it moist. Some top grilling marinade recipes include:
BBQ Chicken Marinade
- 1⁄2 cup ketchup
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken Marinade
- 1⁄2 cup olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Jerk Chicken Marinade
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Soy-Ginger Chicken Marinade
- 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Apply a generous coating of marinade before grilling chicken over direct high heat for 3-5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Best Marinades for Baked Chicken
Baking chicken in the oven often leads to dry results. Marinating is key for roasted chicken that turns out juicy. Recommended baked chicken marinades include:
Italian Herb Baked Chicken Marinade
- 1⁄2 cup olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tandoori Baked Chicken Marinade
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Honey-Mustard Baked Chicken Marinade
- 1⁄3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orange-Rosemary Baked Chicken Marinade
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons minced rosemary
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Bake marinated chicken at 375°F for 30-40 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Tenting with foil can help prevent over-browning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marinating Chicken for BBQ
How long should you marinate chicken?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate bone-in chicken pieces for 4-12 hours and boneless chicken for 1-4 hours. Marinating for less than 30 minutes won’t impart much flavor. Leaving chicken in a marinade for over 24 hours can lead to mushy texture as the acids start breaking down muscle fibers.
Can you marinate chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating chicken in the refrigerator overnight is a great way to maximize flavor. Place the raw chicken in a sealed plastic bag or covered dish with the marinade. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours, flipping the bag over once halfway through. Discard used marinade before cooking.
Should you rinse chicken after marinating?
It’s generally not necessary to rinse chicken after marinating if cooking right away. Simply pat chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade from the surface before cooking. Rinsing can actually wash away marinade flavors. However, if the chicken was marinated with a very strong-flavored marinade containing something acidic like wine, you may want to give it a quick rinse.
Can you grill chicken without marinating?
It’s possible to grill plain chicken with no marinade, but it tends to cook up rather bland, dry, and prone to sticking. Marinating before grilling significantly enhances flavor and moisture while creating a protective coating to prevent sticking. Even just 30 minutes in a simple oil-acid-herb marinade makes a noticeable difference.
What’s the best oil for marinating chicken?
The healthiest oils for marinating chicken are olive oil and avocado oil, thanks to their high heat tolerance and heart-healthy fat composition. For a tropical twist, try refined coconut oil which adds moistness and a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with Caribbean spices. Grapeseed oil is another neutral-flavored option suitable for marinating. Avoid unrefined flax and nut oils which can burn at high heat.
Can you marinate chicken in Italian dressing?
Absolutely! Bottled Italian dressing makes an easy, flavor-packed marinade for chicken. Combine 1 cup Italian dressing with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and any desired dried herbs. Allow chicken to marinate for 1-4 hours before cooking as usual. Shake dressing well before use to redistribute seasoning.
What can I substitute if I don’t have buttermilk for marinade?
You can make an easy buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until curdled. This provides the same tenderizing effect of buttermilk thanks to the acidic component. Plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk also works well in place of buttermilk in a marinade recipe.
Conclusion
Marinating is one of the best ways to make grilled or baked chicken juicy, flavorful, and delicious. Use this guide to learn how marinades work, get inspired by different flavor combinations, and discover the ideal recipes for barbecued chicken. Understand proper food safety precautions when working with raw chicken. With the right marinade, even a basic chicken breast can become your new favorite meal. Flavor to the core and juicy texture is just a short marinade away. Next time you fire up the grill or oven, remember these helpful tips for chicken that’s moist and full of taste.