grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe

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

I’ve been making this grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of flavors is just right – not too sweet, not too spicy, and the perfect balance of tangy and smoky.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and mixing the marinade. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and teach them about different flavors and techniques.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a BBQ or potluck. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to some other marinade recipes I’ve seen.

The acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice helps break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love the smell of grilled chicken wafting through the air on a summer evening?

It’s just one of those classic recipes that never goes out of style. I’ve made it for family gatherings, picnics, and even as a fun twist on a traditional Sunday dinner.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just mix all the ingredients together, pour it over your chicken, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling. You can adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to taste, but I find that this ratio works perfectly for our family of four.

Grilled Barbecue Chicken Marinade Recipe

Grilled Barbecue Chicken Marinade Recipe

4.9 from 1669 votes

A delicious grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe that will make your chicken juicy and flavorful. The marinade is easy to make with simple ingredients and will leave your chicken with a smoky and sweet flavor.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For Grilling

2 tbsp vegetable oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
2Whisk until well combined to ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
4Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
5The chicken should be completely submerged in the marinade and the color should change slightly, indicating that the flavors have been absorbed.
6Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C).
7This will take about 10-15 minutes.
8The grill grates should be hot and slightly oily to prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure even cooking.
9Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
10Lightly oil the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
11Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
12The chicken should be golden brown and have grill marks.
13Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
14This will help to retain the juices and make the chicken more tender.
15Serve the grilled barbecue chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Grill

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute honey for brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also add 1/4 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the marinade for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Barbecue Chicken Marinade Recipe Works

This grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – serve it with your favorite sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a classic combo, or try pairing it with some fresh veggies and quinoa for a healthier twist.

As an added bonus, this marinade makes amazing leftovers – simply store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Barbecue Chicken Marinade

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either boneless or bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe – just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re using bone-in chicken.

Q: Can I make this marinade in advance?

A: Yes, you can definitely make the marinade ahead of time – just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Q: How long should I marinate my chicken?

A: For best results, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes to an hour before grilling – but if you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes will still yield great results.

Q: Can I use this marinade on other types of protein besides chicken?

A: Absolutely – you can use this marinade on pork chops, steak, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of your protein of choice.

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