bbq grilled chicken marinade recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best bbq grilled chicken marinade recipe

I’ve been experimenting with different BBQ grilled chicken marinade recipes for years, and this one has become a staple in our household. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quick weeknight dinner.

My kids love helping me prepare the marinade, and they always get excited when they see the chicken come out of the grill looking so delicious. This recipe is also great because it’s relatively healthy, with no added sugars and plenty of protein from the chicken.

I like to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad to make it feel like a more substantial meal. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce, and you can also customize it with your favorite herbs and spices.

I’ve tried using different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic, and they all give the dish a unique flavor profile. The key to this recipe is to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally several hours or overnight if you can plan ahead.

This allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat, making it tender and juicy on the inside while still retaining its crispy exterior. I’ve found that this recipe works well for both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs – just adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the size of your pieces.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs – whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a quick meal for one or two people. I’ve also experimented with using different types of protein, such as beef or pork, but I find that chicken is always the best choice for this particular marinade.

BBQ Grilled Chicken Marinade

4.9 from 1574 votes

This marinade combines tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors to create juicy, charred chicken. It works well for breasts, thighs, or drumsticks on the grill.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
2Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly.
3Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
4About 30 minutes before grilling, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to let it come to room temperature.
5Preheat a grill to medium-high heat, about 400-450°F.
6Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard the remaining marinade.
7Place the chicken on the grill grates and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has distinct grill marks and is no longer pink in the center.
8Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
Grill
Tongs
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 40g

📝Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the marinade. If using chicken thighs, adjust grilling time to 5-6 minutes per side. Letting the chicken rest after grilling is essential for juiciness.

Watch Video Of How BBQ Grilled Chicken Marinade Works

This BBQ grilled chicken marinade recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick meal for one or two people.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to store in the fridge for up to three days – simply reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

You can also freeze it for up to three months if you want to make it ahead of time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Grilled Chicken Marinade

Q: What type of vinegar should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use any type of vinegar you prefer – apple cider, balsamic, or white wine all work well.

Q: Can I use this marinade on other types of meat?

Yes, you can use this marinade on beef, pork, or lamb – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to several hours or overnight if you can plan ahead.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this marinade?

Yes, feel free to customize this marinade with your favorite herbs and spices – some options include garlic powder, onion powder, or dried oregano.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains chicken and is not suitable for vegetarians.

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