If you’re a fan of chicken and love exploring new ways to cook it, you’ll want to try out this recipe for marinated chicken. Marinating chicken is a fantastic way to elevate its flavor and tenderize the meat. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and yields fantastic results. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or yourself, this marinated chicken recipe is sure to impress. Here’s how to make it.
What are the Benefits of Marinating Chicken?
Marinating chicken is a simple way to add a ton of flavor to your meals while also tenderizing the meat. However, did you know that marinating your chicken can also have a positive impact on your health? In this section, we’ll explore the various benefits of marinating chicken.
It Adds Flavor to Your Meal
By marinating your chicken, you can add a variety of flavors to your meal. You can use a variety of ingredients such as vinegar, citrus juice, yogurt, or oil and add a variety of spices to create a unique blend each time. When the chicken soaks up these flavors, it turns bland-tasting meat into a delicacy that you’ll love.
It Makes The Meat More Tender
Marinating chicken before cooking it can tenderize the meat as it breaks down the tough fibers present in the meat. When the marinade penetrates the chicken, it breaks down the dense proteins and fats that cause the texture to become firm when cooked. The acidic nature of some marinades can also help break down tissues and fibers, leaving the meat succulent and juicy.
It Can Make It Healthier
Marinating chicken can also make it healthier. When you marinate chicken using acidic ingredients such as lemon or vinegar, the process can reduce the level of harmful bacteria that would have been found in the meat when uncooked. Marinating the chicken before cooking can also help reduce the production of cancer-causing substances like Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) that are associated with grilled, fried, or broiled meat.
How long should you marinate chicken?
Marinating chicken is the most important step to add flavor and tenderness to the meat. But how long should you marinate chicken to get the most out of it? The most common marinating time for chicken is between 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on the type and size of the chicken.
Factors that affect marinating time
- Type of chicken: Different types of chicken require different marinating times. For example, boneless and skinless chicken breasts require less marinating time compared to chicken legs or thighs.
- Size of chicken: The smaller the chicken pieces, the less time they need to marinate. If you are marinating a whole chicken, it requires longer time to allow the marinade to penetrate to the inner part of the meat.
- Acidity of marinade: Acids like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt break down the protein in the meat which can change the texture of the chicken. If the marinade has too much acid, it is better to marinate the chicken for a shorter period.
How to marinate chicken perfectly?
- Use a ziplock bag: Marinating chicken in a ziplock bag makes it easy to coat the meat with the marinade evenly and ensures that the chicken is covered in the marinade. This also saves space in your fridge.
- Pat chicken dry: Before marinating the chicken, make sure the pieces are dry to allow the marinade to stick to the meat. Moisture can prevent the marinade from penetrating the meat.
- Don’t over-marinate: While marinating chicken, avoid over-marinating as it can result in a mushy texture. Stick to the ideal marinating time and adjust it based on the type and size of your chicken.
Marinating chicken is the easiest way to add flavor to a meal. With the right marinating time, you can turn boring chicken into an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
What are some popular chicken marinades?
If you’re looking for a flavorful way to spice up your chicken, marinating is the answer. Marinating chicken not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat for a more enjoyable culinary experience. Here are some of the most popular marinades for chicken:
1. Teriyaki Marinade
Teriyaki marinade is a Japanese sauce that comprises soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar. This marinade works well with chicken breasts or thighs and is great for grilling, baking, or broiling. The teriyaki marinade gives an Asian-inspired flavor and can be paired with white or brown rice.
2. Lemon Herb Marinade
Lemon herb marinade is perfect for those who prefer a tangy and citrusy flavor. This marinade consists of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano), salt, and pepper. It works great with grilled or roasted chicken and can be served with roasted vegetables or salad.
3. BBQ Marinade
BBQ marinade is a classic American marinade consisting of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. This marinade gives a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to your chicken. BBQ chicken is perfect for summer grilling, but you can also bake it in the oven or slow cook it in a crockpot. The BBQ marinade pairs well with corn on the cob or baked beans.
- Tip: Make sure to let your chicken marinate in the BBQ sauce for at least an hour before cooking it for the best results!
What are the best ways to cook marinated chicken?
Marinating chicken is a great way to add flavor and juiciness to this lean protein. The next step is to cook the chicken to perfection and unleash its delicious flavors. Here are some of the best ways to cook marinated chicken:
Grilling
Grilling is a popular method for cooking marinated chicken. It imparts a smoky and charred flavor to the chicken and brings out the nuances of the marinade. To start, preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook each side for about 5-7 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking and drying it out. Once it is cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it to allow the juices to redistribute.
Baking
Baking is another great way to cook marinated chicken. It’s an easy and stress-free method that yields moist and flavorful chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For added flavor and texture, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking to get a crispy brown crust on the outside.
Broiling
Broiling is a quick and easy method for cooking marinated chicken. It is similar to grilling in that it adds a charred and caramelized flavor to the chicken. To broil chicken, preheat your broiler to high heat. Place the chicken on a broiler pan or a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Broil the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to avoid burning it.
Pan-Searing
Pan-searing is a great way to get crispy and juicy marinated chicken. To start, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it to allow the juices to redistribute. For added flavor, deglaze the pan with some chicken broth or white wine to make a simple pan sauce.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when cooking marinated chicken?
Marinated chicken is a delicious and healthy choice for dinner. However, there are common mistakes that can ruin your meal. Here are some mistakes that you should avoid when you cook marinated chicken:
1. Overcooking the Chicken
Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough. It is important to cook the chicken at the right temperature and for the right duration. The cooking time and temperature depend on the type of chicken you are cooking. Boneless chicken breasts usually take around 20 to 30 minutes to cook at 400°F. Remember that the chicken will keep cooking for a few minutes after you take it out of the oven or grill, so it is better to take it out a little earlier than to overcook it.
2. Leaving the Skin On
Leaving the skin on the chicken during the cooking process can make it greasy and unhealthy. Instead, remove the skin before you marinate the chicken. If you prefer crispy chicken skin, you can remove it after the chicken is cooked or use a cooking method that crisps up the skin without adding extra fat or oil.
3. Not Patting the Chicken Dry Before Cooking
Before you cook the marinated chicken, make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel. This will remove excess marinade and prevent splattering during cooking. Wet chicken can also affect the texture of your dish and prevent it from browning properly.
4. Using Too Much Acid in the Marinade
Acidic ingredients like lemon, lime, or vinegar can make the chicken tender and flavorful, but too much acid can have the opposite effect. If you marinate the chicken for too long or use too much acid, the chicken can become mushy or tough. The recommended marinading time for chicken is about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
5. Not Preheating the Grill or Oven
Preheating the grill or oven is important to ensure even cooking and to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates. If you don’t preheat the grill or oven, the chicken can become dry and stick to the grates. Turn on the grill or oven at least 15 minutes before you plan to cook the chicken. This will give it enough time to heat up and reach the desired temperature.
Can you reuse marinade for chicken?
Cooking chicken with marinade can add a lot of flavor to your meals. But can you reuse the remaining marinade for chicken? Reusing marinade can seem like an easy way to reduce food waste, but it’s not recommended to do so. This is because raw chicken bacteria may still be present in the marinade. Reusing marinade can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness. So, what should you do?
Make extra marinade
The best solution is to avoid reusing marinade altogether and make extra marinade for other purposes. Simply set aside a portion of the marinade before adding the chicken. This extra marinade can be used to baste the chicken as it cooks or as a dipping sauce for added flavor. You can always make more marinade if needed but preventing the spread of bacteria is very important to prevent foodborne illness.
Cook Like a Pro!
Cooking marinated chicken is an easy and simple way to create a delicious meal that everyone will love. If you follow the tips and tricks we’ve shared with you today, you’ll definitely be able to cook like a pro. Thank you for reading this article. We hope you learned something new and exciting. Don’t forget to visit us again for more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips!
Learn the Best Way to Cook Marinated Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pepper, and salt. Massage the marinade over the chicken thighs, cover with a cling wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange them on a baking dish. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flip the chicken, and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
