Marinating chicken before grilling infuses it with delicious flavor and helps keep the meat moist and tender. With the right marinade, you can take your BBQ chicken to the next level of taste. Here are some tips on how to marinate chicken for perfectly juicy and flavorful grilled chicken every time.
Ingredients for Chicken Marinade
A simple BBQ chicken marinade has 3 main components:
- Acid – Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt or buttermilk help tenderize the chicken and impart flavor.
- Oil – Oil helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps it moist during grilling. Vegetable, olive or canola oil work well.
- Seasonings – Spices, herbs and aromatics like garlic, onion and chili pepper lend flavor to the meat.
Some popular seasoning blends for BBQ chicken include:
- BBQ seasoning – Smoky paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder etc.
- Jerk seasoning – Spicy allspice, thyme, chili peppers, cinnamon etc.
- Italian dressing – Oregano, basil, garlic, onion, red wine vinegar etc.
- Asian marinade – Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, chili sauce etc.
How Long to Marinate Chicken?
- Boneless chicken breasts: 1-2 hours
- Boneless chicken thighs: 2-4 hours
- Bone-in chicken pieces: 4-12 hours
Longer marinating times allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the thick cuts of meat. For best results, marinate chicken in the fridge overnight.
Tips for Marinating Chicken
- Use a non-reactive bowl – Glass, ceramic or stainless steel are ideal. Avoid aluminum.
- Submerge chicken fully – Ensure all pieces are coated evenly with marinade. Turn the bag or bowl periodically.
- Don’t reuse marinade – Use fresh marinade each time for food safety. Discard used marinade.
- Pat chicken dry – Blot off excess marinade before grilling to prevent burning or sticking.
- Oil the grill – Lightly brush the grill with oil to prevent chicken from sticking.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Marinade
This easy homemade BBQ chicken marinade takes just 5 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon each – chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper and onion powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk well.
- Place 6 bone-in chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or container with a lid.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, coat evenly. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag.
- Marinate chicken in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Take chicken out of fridge 30 minutes before grilling. Discard used marinade.
- Grill chicken over direct medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade, until fully cooked.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Grilling Tips for Juicy BBQ Chicken
Follow these simple tips for irresistibly moist and flavorful grilled chicken:
- Grill over direct medium heat. Avoid high heat which dries out chicken.
- Baste chicken with reserved marinade during grilling for added moisture and caramelization.
- Cook chicken until it reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer.
- Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute evenly.
- Try grilling boneless thighs for quicker cooking. Brush with sauce in the last few minutes.
- For charcoal grills, use 2-zone cooking. Sear chicken over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
- Close the grill lid as much as possible to circulate heat evenly and prevent drying.
Common FAQs about Marinating BBQ Chicken
How long does it take to marinate chicken?
- For maximum flavor infusion, marinate boneless chicken breasts for 1-2 hours and bone-in parts for 4-12 hours. Overnight marinating in the fridge gives best results.
What is the best marinade for grilled chicken?
- A good BBQ chicken marinade contains an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, oil, and spices. Popular flavors include barbecue, Italian dressing, jerk seasoning, soy sauce and garlic.
Can you marinate chicken too long?
- Yes, over-marinating for too long can make the chicken mushy. Stick within 12 hours for bone-in chicken and 6 hours for boneless to avoid this.
Should you rinse off marinade before grilling?
- For safety, it’s best to discard used raw marinade. Lightly pat chicken dry before grilling to prevent burning. You can baste with reserved marinade while grilling.
Can you freeze marinated raw chicken?
- It’s not recommended. The acidic marinade can start cooking the chicken. Only marinate thawed fresh chicken right before cooking.
What temp should I cook marinated chicken to?
- Cook marinated chicken to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check it’s fully cooked.
How do I keep marinated chicken moist?
- Let it marinate for a sufficient time, grill over medium heat, baste while cooking, cook to correct internal temperature and let it rest before slicing.
Get Perfectly Saucy BBQ Chicken off the Grill
Marinating is the secret prep that takes grilled chicken from dry and bland to juicy, charred and bursting with finger-licking flavor. With the right marinade and proper technique, you can achieve restaurant-worthy BBQ chicken easily at home. Give the marinade enough time to work its magic, don’t overcook the meat, and let it rest before diving in. Your patience will pay off in every delicious, messy bite.