Chicken is one meat that people are not afraid to try seasoning. It’s like a blank canvas just waiting for a splash of color. In this article, I will share 5 chicken marinades that are sure to add some spice to the next time you grill.
If you get a good steak it can seem wrong to cover it in a marinade as it will cover that great steak flavor. Chicken, on the other hand, almost begs for spices to liven it up.
These marinades can be used when cooking in the oven but since this is a grilling website that’s what I have in mind.
If you’ve never used a marinade before be sure to read all the directions before starting to make sure you understand the process before beginning.
Two Marinade Techniques
I like to marinade in a plastic ziplock type bag so that I can get the air out of the bag and move the meat around to guarantee total coverage.
You can also marinade in a large bowl but might have to make more marinade to cover the meat and you might get a little messy moving the meat around in the marinade.
While the chicken is marinating it should be placed in the refrigerator so the meat does not reach room temperature.
Marinade Times
Chicken should sit in the marinade for a minimum of 20 minutes, though 2 hours works best in my experience. More than 12 hours and you risk over-saturation of the flavor and the texture of the meat can be negatively affected.
Hot Tip!These recipes are designed for 2-3 pounds (1kg to 1.5kg) of meat. Double, or triple, the recipe if cooking for a crowd.
The Chicken Marinades
Korean
1.5 cups apple juice
1 large brown onion, sliced
8 garlic cloves, crushed
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp sesame oil
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Hot BBQ
You can increase or decrease the amount of hot sauce in this recipe to get the desired level of hot.
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup hot sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
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Italian
A bottle of your favorite Italian salad dressing can work in a pinch but if you have the time here is a great, fresh tasting, recipe.
1 cup vegetable oil or canola
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
pinch of salt
black pepper to taste
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Easy Classic Japanese
Served with rice and a fresh steamed vegetable this is a wonderful simple dinner recipe.
1/4 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup
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Balsamic
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp dried Rosemary
1.5 tsp salt
black pepper to taste
Conclusion
These chicken marinade recipes are really just a starting point. Feel free to add/remove/adjust ingredients as desired. Grilling is a lot about personal taste so explore the possibilities! You never have to settle for simple grilled chicken again if you have 20 minutes and a few ingredients in your kitchen.
