How Long Can Chicken Marinate For
Most recipes tend to get better the longer you marinate, but this grilled chicken marinade is an exception. Ive tried all different kinds of marinating times and around 4-6 hours yields the best end product.
Honestly though, even 30 minutes of marinating will give you deliciously flavored chicken! I dont recommend marinating for more than 6 hours because the acid begins to cook the chicken.
What Goes With Marinated Grilled Chicken
This marinated grilled chicken pairs well with pretty much everything from salad to pasta salad, potatoes, rice and fruit. In the summer months, we keep it as simple as grilled chicken with grilled corn, watermelon and green salad. In the winter, I love it with garlic butter mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. Here are a few of our favorite accompanying sides:
Pineapple Coconut Hawaiian Chicken Skewers
One bite of these Pineapple Coconut Hawaiian Chicken Skewers, and youll be doing the hula dance! The Hawaiian coconut and pineapple marinade infuses the chicken with tropical flavour as well as tenderising. Skewering not mandatory!
Ingredients: Canned pineapple, coconut milk, sugar, ketchup, lime, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder, cumin, paprika, ginger powder, cayenne
Ideal for: Skinless boneless chicken thighs are my first preference, followed by chicken breast.
Also Check: How To Grill Corn On The Cob
Juicy Grilled Chicken Recipe Tips
- The balsamic and herb chicken marinade can be used to marinate bone-in and boneless chicken.
- If you marinate the chicken in the refrigerator, allow it to sit on the kitchen counter for about 20 minutes before grilling. The chicken will cook more evenly if its not chilled.
- Cook the chicken on medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit . A hotter grill may dried up the chicken while a lower temperature may result in pale unappealing chicken.
- Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are you wondering what to serve with grilled chicken? Here are a few side dishes we think youll love as much as we do!
How To Freeze Marinated Chicken
Freezing marinated chicken is one of our secret meal-prep tips! Simply place your chicken in a large, gallon-size bag and then add the marinade. Remove as much air as possible and then seal the bag shut. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
PS: there is no need to let your chicken marinate for the full 24 hours before freezing. It will marinate as it freezes and as it thaws!
Don’t Miss: What’s The Best Gas Grill To Buy
Thai Satay Chicken With Peanut Sauce
A satay coconut marinade infuses the chicken with flavour before cooking on the BBQ then served with the most UNBELIEVABLE Thai Peanut Sauce! Skewering is optional, the peanut sauce is not. This is a fairly new recipe thats quickly become a firm favourite among readers!
Ingredients: coconut milk, red curry paste, peanut butter, curry powder, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar
Ideal for: Boneless chicken thighs , bone in thighs
Simplest Best Chicken Thigh Marinade
Marinating chicken isnt mandatory from a health and safety standpoint, but for the best-tasting results, it is best to marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
After 12 hours, the meat will start to break down, especially if you use citrus juice in the marinade.
A good marinade needs a combination of 5 key elements: salt, spice, sweet, acid, and umami.
Herbs are also a nice addition, but not strictly necessary.
This recipe is a go-to simple chicken thighs marinade when you want to serve chicken thighs as a main dish and want something more spice-forward.
- It hits all the key marinade elements.
- I usually have everything I need to make it on hand.
- The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy ingredients gives the thighs impressive complexity.
To prepare chicken thighs, simply mix the marinade ingredients together, let the chicken rest in the marinade for 30 minutes or up to 12 hours, then follow my Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe or bake as you please. Its that simple!
Read Also: Which Weber Grill To Buy
You May Like: Are Pit Boss Grills Any Good
Best Grilled Chicken Marinade
Jump to Recipe Pin the Recipe disclosure policy
The best Grilled Chicken Marinade for tender, juicy, incredibly flavorful chicken with gorgeous color. Elevate your next summer BBQ with this easy chicken marinade recipe.
This is hands down, no contest, my favorite grilled chicken marinade recipe. In addition to amazing flavor, it imparts a beautiful, rich golden hue to the chicken as it grills. Its one of my oldest go-to summer grilling recipes and it has stood the test of time.
It takes just minutes to whip up this flavorful chicken marinade and the result is absolutely heavenly. When Im low on inspiration, its an effortless choice for a delicious summer meal. Plus, leftovers of this grilled chicken cold from the fridge are SO good!
To Bake Chicken In The Oven
- When ready to cook, remove chicken from the refrigerator and let rest 15-30 minutes ahead of time.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 degrees F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Drain chicken from marinade and add to prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 16-18 minutes , or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Big Green Egg Grill
My Back Pocket Chicken Marinade
This is the chicken marinade I make the most often because its made with pantry standbys. It tenderises, adds savoury flavour with a touch of sweet, and its quick to make. Its my emergency marinade!
Ingredients: brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce*, lemon, Worcestershire, garlic, oregano, pepper* The secret ingredient, acts as brine and adds flavour but does not make this taste Asiany at all!
Ideal for: Brilliant for chicken breast, also great for any cut of chicken.
How To Make Chicken Marinade
This easy marinade comes together in just minutes!
You May Like: Why Are Natural Gas Grills So Expensive
Easy Chicken Breast Marinade
I keep chicken breasts on hand at all times because there is just SOO much you can do with a chicken breast
Having a good grilled chicken breast marinade on hand is essential if you live in a hot area like I do. Its a quick, no-brainer dinner option that we rely on several times each month.
Let me be clear, this is not to say that this marinade wont work on other cuts of chicken. It most certainly does and is insanely delicious so use what you have on hand.
One of our other favorite ways is to use this as a chicken thigh marinade or even drumsticks. It really will work for any piece of chicken.
How To Grill Chicken Breast Without Drying It Out
As with any method of chicken breast preparation, be it Air Fryer Chicken Breast, Baked Chicken Breast, or another method, a few simple but critical steps will ensure your grilled chicken turns out juicy, moist, and well-seasoned all the way through.
To grill chicken breast without drying it out, be sure to follow these tips.
- . Even 15 minutes can make a major difference in results. Not only will your chicken have the marinades superior flavor, but the marinade actually works to tenderize the meat by changing its protein structure and helps it stay juicier for longer.
Recommended Reading: Does Home Depot Assemble Grills
Grilled Red Potatoes Faqs
How long will these grilled potatoes stay fresh? Can they be reheated?
Youll want to store these crispy grilled red potatoes in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. You can even freeze a batch for up to three months! When reheating, make sure to avoid the microwave, or the potatoes wont retain their crisp yet tender texture. Simply reheat in the oven, air fryer or on your grill for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
What if I dont have a grill?
Not to worry! If you dont have a grill or dont have access to one, you can always oven bake these potatoes. Pop them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender with a fork. A grill pan is also a great idea for the rainy season. You still get the great grill flavor and marks but can make the potatoes indoors.
How To Make Grilled Chicken Marinade
This grilled chicken marinade is easy to whip up! Heres how:
- Pound chicken to an even thickness. Place chicken breasts in-between two pieces of plastic wrap or I like to place my chicken in a large freezer size bag. Pound the chicken to an even thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet, rolling pin or side of a can.
- Make marinade. Whisk the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and seasonings together in a large plastic bag. Add chicken, push out excess air and turn to coat.
Also Check: How Long Do You Grill Pork Chops
Read Also: What Is The Best Gas Grille
Best Grilled Chicken Breast
This is the BEST grilled chicken breast recipe! The chicken breasts are marinated in an easy to make wet rub using pantry staple spices then grilled until juicy and crazy delicious. With a few tips, learn how to grill chicken breast so it is juicy and delicious every time.
Lets give it up for easy and delicious grilled chicken breast recipes! This one is our all-time favorites and the one we make all summer long. The chicken breasts are flavorful and always juicy.
This recipe is really simple and the perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for when you need to get dinner on the table quickly or you just dont feel like thinking about what to make for dinner. The answer is always these grilled chicken breasts. After you make them once, youll make them again and again.
Serve these with some grilled veggies and a big salad for a quick and delicious dinner.
What Is The Best Chicken To Use With This Marinade
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts are my first choice when I make this recipe. I find that the marinade adds tons of tangy flavor while keeping the chicken moist and tender. I also like the fact that chicken breasts are a nutritious, lean source of protein that my whole family enjoys.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs will work well with this marinade and theyre also an economical alternative to chicken breasts. With a slightly higher fat content than chicken breasts, chicken thighs are extra-flavorful and juicy by nature.
- Bone-in skinless chicken breasts are another delicious pairing for this marinade! To grill bone-in chicken breast, the total grilling time will need to be increased on either side please use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken breasts are cooked through before consuming!
- This marinade can also be used with chicken wings, drumsticks, and skin-on chicken breasts and thighs.
Dont Miss: How To Cook Fish On The Grill
Don’t Miss: Where Can You Buy Blackstone Grills
Why Youll Love This Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe:
- SIMPLE: All you need is a handful of ingredients, a little bit of marinating time, and about 10 minutes to cook.
- FLAVORFUL: A marinade made of garlic, red wine, and various herbs adds so much flavor right into the chicken, so that it cooks to perfection.
- VERSATILE: This dish can be paired with anything you like! Keep it light and simple for lunch, or add your favorite sides for a full dinner.
This marinated grilled chicken breast is truly fool-proof! Just set it in the fridge to marinate before work, then come home and cook so its ready to serve.
What Ingredients Are Needed For Marinated Grilled Chicken
A chicken marinade isnt just made willy nilly. Every ingredient has a purpose and plays a role in making a juicy and bold bite. See the recipe card below for the measurements. These are the ingredients you will need:
- Chicken Breasts
- Dean Jacobs 4 Spice Variety Pack Tuscany Blend
The honey and brown sugar give sweetness and a crusty outer layer when grilled. The soy sauce provides a salty depth of flavor, and the lemon, mustard and garlic lock in that bold flavor you want in a marinade. Dean Jacobs spice pack is the icing on the cake!
Also Check: What Is The Best Pellet Grill On The Market
How To Make Balsamic Chicken Marinade
This balsamic chicken marinade is easy to whip up! Heres how:
- Pound chicken to an even thickness. Place chicken breasts in-between two pieces of plastic wrap or I like to place my chicken in a large freezer size bag. Pound the chicken to an even thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet, rolling pin or side of a can.
- Make marinade. Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and seasonings together in a large plastic bag. Add chicken, push out excess air and turn to coat.
How To Make Quick And Easy Skillet Honey Garlic Chicken:
Also Check: Applebee’s Grill + Bar Buffalo
How Long Do You Grill Chicken Breasts For
This is the biggest question that I get. It really does end up depending on how thick your chicken breasts are. If you flattened them, as discussed, theyre going to need about 4 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat . If your grill doesnt have a thermometer, heres how to find out what temperature its at.
After 4 minutes, you flip them over and do the other side for 4 minutes. This is going to get you nice parallel grill marks on your chicken. If you want crosshatched grill marks, after the first 2 minutes, turn the breasts 90 degrees and cook for 2 more minutes. Then flip and do the same thing on the other side, 2 minutes then turn, then 2 more minutes. But note that the crosshatched ones wont be as dark as the parallel ones. I therefore prefer to just do the 4 minutes per side without turning.
Grilled Chicken Breast Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Our main ingredient!
- Minced garlic Press it yourself and it tastes better than jarred.
- Dijon mustard Adds a zing to your chicken breast marinade.
- Worcestershire sauce Gives your chicken breast marinade more depth and more of a smoky quality.
- Italian seasoning The perfect grilled chicken seasoning that brings all the flavor in your grilled chicken marinade.
- Apple cider vinegar Added to your grilled chicken marinade to make the chicken tender.
- Lemon juice For an umami taste in the best grilled chicken marinade.
- Olive oil to help it grill.
- Parsley You can use dried or chop some up fresh.
- Salt and pepper Helps round out your marinade.
Also Check: Can Traeger Grills Be Built In
How Much Chicken Will This Recipe Make
This recipe will marinate 1 ½ pounds of chicken, however, it is easy to scale up or down to suite your needs. 4 oz. of chicken is the recommended single serving portion of chicken, but this varies depending on the individual and what sides are being served. I would say 6-8 ounces is closer to realistic.
The First Step To Juicy Chicken Breasts: Pound Them A Bit
The first thing you need to do to get juicy chicken is to flatten the chicken breasts out to an even thickness. If the chicken breast has a consistent thickness, it will cook more evenly. Note that this is a good idea no matter how youre cooking your chicken breasts. Ive recently done a series of little experiments and have found that this step makes a big difference when baking chicken breasts too.
Flattening the chicken breasts a little bit also means that they wont be on the heat for as long. When chicken breasts are their full thickness, it can take awhile for the heat to penetrate right to the middle. That means that by the time the inside of the chicken is fully-cooked, the outside has dried out. If your chicken breast is thinner because you flattened it a bit, then the outside doesnt dry out as badly by the time the inside is cooked.
Another perk of flattening the chicken breasts is that any brine or marinade you use will be able to penetrate the chicken more quickly. So putting in the bit of time to get the chicken even will actually result in less time needed overall.
Also Check: How To Grill Chicken Drumsticks
