No more chicken that tastes plain and simple. With these 6 awesome chicken marinade recipes, your chicken will taste so good, you’ll wish you tried them sooner! In this post, you’ll learn why marinating your chicken is a great idea, how to put together a chicken marinade, how to store marinated chicken in the freezer for later, and more. Get ready to turn your ordinary chicken meals into something really special with these easy chicken marinade recipes!
What is a Chicken Marinade?
A chicken marinade is a flavorful liquid mixture in which you soak chicken before cooking it. This mixture usually contains a blend of ingredients such as oils, vinegar or citrus juices, herbs, and spices. The marinade serves two main purposes: to add flavor and to tenderize the chicken. When the chicken soaks in the marinade, it absorbs the delicious flavors, which then permeate throughout the meat when it’s cooked.
Why Make a Marinade for Chicken?
Creating a marinade for chicken is a simple and effective way to transform your chicken dishes from plain to extraordinary. Here’s why you should consider marinating your chicken:
Adds Flavor: A marinade infuses the chicken with flavor from the inside out. Tenderizes the Meat: The acid present in marinades (like vinegar or citrus juices) helps to break down the tough protein structures in the chicken, making it more tender and juicy when cooked. Keeps Chicken Juicy: The oil in the marinade creates a barrier that helps keep the juices in the chicken when it’s cooked, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. Versatility: With a variety of marinades to choose from, you can easily experiment with different flavors and cuisines. Easy and Economical: Making a marinade is as simple as mixing together a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It’s an inexpensive way to make a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.
How to Marinate Chicken
To make the best chicken marinade, simply combine all the ingredients in a shallow bowl or a ziptop bag (or a stasher bag) and mix well. Then add your chicken, making sure it’s fully submerged. Cover the bowl or seal the ziptop bag and refrigerate. If possible, store it at the bottom of the fridge so it can’t drip onto other foods. Note that the recipes below are created for 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken. If you’re using more chicken, you may want to double the recipe.
BBQ Chicken Marinade
This marinade captures the taste of an all-American barbecue. The result is a smoky and sweet flavor that’s perfect for a summer cookout or any time you want to bring the flavor of outdoor grilling indoors.
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The BBQ sauce you choose will significantly influence the final taste, so go for your favorite one!
Lemon-Garlic Chicken Marinade
This Lemon Garlic Marinade is a tangy and aromatic mixture that’s perfect for chicken. Using fresh lemon, punchy garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary, it infuses your chicken with a burst of bright and savory flavors, ideal for grilling or baking.
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Italian Chicken Marinade
This Italian marinade brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Its robust and aromatic flavors work well with any cooking method, from grilling to baking.
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Fajita Chicken Marinade
With this marinade, you can bring the taste of a Mexican cantina to your kitchen. It delivers a combination of zesty and spicy elements that turn your chicken into flavorful and delicious fajitas.
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Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
This Teriyaki marinade brings together the sweet and savory flavors of soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, green onions, and a touch of heat with Sriracha sauce. It’s great for giving your chicken an Asian-inspired twist.
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Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade
Balancing the tang of Dijon mustard with the sweetness of honey, this Honey Mustard marinade also includes olive oil, minced garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper for a versatile flavor profile. It works beautifully for grilling or baking and pairs well with almost any side.
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Safety Advice
Contrary to some old advice, don’t rinse raw chicken in your sink. This can actually spread bacteria around your kitchen rather than getting rid of it. Any potential bacteria on the chicken will be killed during the cooking process as long as you cook it to 165°F (74°C). Check that using a kitchen thermometer such as the Thermapen. After handling raw chicken, wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Scrub all parts of your hands, including between your fingers and under your nails. After preparing raw chicken, clean all cutting boards, surfaces, and utensils that the raw chicken came into contact with using hot soapy water. It’s also advisable to use sanitizer on the surfaces afterward for extra safety (I always use antibacterial spray and paper towels to clean surfaces). Always thaw frozen chicken in the fridge or in cold water (in its packaging or a sealed plastic bag). Never thaw it on the counter, as this can allow harmful bacteria to multiply. Never reuse marinades: Always discard marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken to prevent foodborne illness. If you want to use marinade as a sauce, reserve some before adding the chicken. Always marinate chicken in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. For best results, allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking.
Storing Marinated Chicken
You can store marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
How to Cook Marinated Chicken
You have a few options here: grilling, baking in the oven, broiling, or pan-frying. Whichever method you choose, remember to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). I truly hope that these easy chicken marinades make their way into your favorite recipe collection! I believe that each marinade offers a unique and delicious way to enjoy chicken and can truly transform your meals. If you try any of these, leave a rating and a review in the comments box below. I’d absolutely love to hear which marinade became your go-to! © Little Sunny Kitchen
