Marinating chicken in barbecue sauce is a great way to add delicious flavor and keep the meat moist and tender. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for the grill or oven.
Benefits of Marinating Chicken in BBQ Sauce
Marinating chicken in barbecue sauce provides several advantages:
- Infuses flavor – The sauce permeates the meat, ensuring robust barbecue flavor in every bite.
- Tenderizes the meat – Acids in the barbecue sauce help break down tough collagen fibers.
- Keeps chicken moist – Sugars and oils in the sauce prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Forms a tasty crust – Basting the chicken as it cooks allows the sugars in the sauce to caramelize.
- Quick and easy – No need to concoct a complicated wet rub or brine. The sauce does all the work.
Tips for Marinating Chicken in BBQ Sauce
Follow these tips to maximize the flavor and juiciness of your barbecue chicken:
Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work best. The lack of skin and bones allows the sauce to penetrate deeply and evenly into the meat. Bone-in chicken or chicken with skin can obstruct absorption.
Choose a Sweet, Tomato-Based Sauce
Opt for a sweet, tomato-based barbecue sauce, which has a good balance of flavor enhancers like vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices. Avoid heavy, creamy sauces that won’t penetrate the meat well.
Marinate for At Least 2 Hours
Let the chicken soak for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to overnight, for the most thorough flavor infusion. Longer marinating times yield the best results.
Marinate in the Refrigerator
Keep the chicken chilled in the fridge while marinating, between 34-40°F. This prevents bacterial growth.
Marinate in a Sealable Plastic Bag
Put the chicken and sauce in a sealable plastic bag or covered dish. This ensures even coverage and limits mess. Occasionally flip the bag over.
Use a Minimum 1:2 Sauce to Meat Ratio
Use at least twice as much barbecue sauce as chicken by weight or volume. This guarantees full coverage.
Step-by-Step Marinating Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly barbecued chicken:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the boneless, skinless chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat. Cut into your desired pieces if using bone-in chicken.
2. Pour BBQ Sauce Into a Large Plastic Bag
Add the desired amount of barbecue sauce to a sealable plastic bag or container. Use at least twice as much sauce as chicken.
3. Add Chicken and Seal the Bag
Place the chicken pieces into the bag and remove any excess air. Seal the bag tightly to prevent leaks.
4. Massage and Flip the Bag
Gently massage the sauce into the chicken to help it penetrate. Occasionally flip the bag over.
5. Refrigerate for At Least 2 Hours
Place the bag in the fridge and marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to overnight.
6. Preheat Oven or Grill
Preheat your oven or grill to the desired cooking temperature. For the oven, preheat to 375°F.
7. Remove Chicken and Discard Marinade
Take the chicken out of the fridge and discard the marinade. Pat dry with paper towels.
8. Cook Chicken as Desired
You can bake, broil, or grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Baste with extra sauce as it cooks.
9. Let Rest and Serve
Allow the chicken to rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve while hot, juicy, and saucy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much barbecue sauce should I use?
Use at least twice as much barbecue sauce as chicken by volume. For 1 pound of chicken, use at least 2 cups of sauce.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
Opt for a tomato-based sauce with a good balance of sweetness, acidity, and spice. Avoid thick, creamy sauces.
Can I marinate for longer than overnight?
Marinating longer than 24 hours doesn’t provide added benefit and can result in mushy chicken. Stick to a 2 hour minimum up to overnight max.
Should I discard leftover marinade?
Yes, discard leftover marinade instead of basting with it to avoid bacteria spread. Only use fresh sauce to baste while cooking.
What if my chicken dries out after marinating?
Pat chicken dry before cooking, and baste frequently with additional sauce as it cooks to keep it moist and saucy.
Conclusion
Marinating chicken in barbecue sauce is one of the tastiest, easiest ways to prepare juicy, flavorful chicken for the grill or oven. For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken, a tomato-based sauce, at least a 1:2 sauce ratio, and marinate in the fridge for 2-24 hours. Follow safe handling tips, and you’ll enjoy tender, saucy barbecue chicken bursting with flavor.