marinate chicken for bbq recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best marinate chicken for bbq recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite marinate chicken for BBQ recipe! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.

I remember the first time I made it, I was blown away by the flavors and textures that came together. My kids, who can be quite picky, loved it so much that they asked for seconds (and even thirds!)

As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare and cook, yet still delivers on taste and nutrition. Not to mention, it’s a great way to get some veggies in without feeling like you’re sacrificing flavor or fun.

The key to this recipe is the marinade – it’s what gives the chicken that special something that keeps everyone coming back for more. I’ve experimented with various combinations of herbs and spices over the years, but this one remains my go-to.

The acidity from the lemon juice helps break down the proteins in the meat, making it tender and juicy. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – by using olive oil instead of butter or other high-calorie fats, we can enjoy this dish guilt-free.

Plus, with the addition of some colorful veggies like bell peppers or onions, we’re getting a good dose of fiber and antioxidants. It’s truly a win-win situation!

BBQ Marinated Chicken

4.9 from 1446 votes

Juicy chicken marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for grilling.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 chicken breasts

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2Mix well until fully combined and smooth.
3Add the chicken breasts to a zip-top bag or container.
4Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
5Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
6Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F.
7This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops nice grill marks.
8Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
9Discard the remaining marinade.
10Place the chicken on the preheated grill.
11Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
12The chicken should be opaque throughout with no pink areas and the juices should run clear.
13Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
15Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Zip-top bag or container
Grill or Grill pan
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.

This marinate chicken for BBQ recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – feel free to customize the marinade with your favorite herbs and spices or try out different protein sources like shrimp or pork chops.

When storing leftovers, keep them refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) within two hours of cooking; reheat them gently over low heat until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Marinated Chicken

Q: What type of chicken is best for marinating?

A: For this recipe, I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The leaner meat will help the marinade penetrate more evenly and prevent any potential dryness.

Q: Can I use store-bought marinade mixes?

A: While store-bought mixes can save time, they often contain preservatives and artificial flavorings that might affect the overall taste and nutritional value of your dish. It’s always better to make your own marinade from scratch using fresh ingredients.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?

A: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors will penetrate into the meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour, but feel free to marinate overnight if you have more time.

Q: What are some good alternatives to olive oil?

A: If you don’t have olive oil on hand or prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute it with avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Both options have a mild taste and won’t overpower the other ingredients.

Q: Can I grill or bake these chicken breasts?

A: This recipe works well for both grilling and baking methods! If grilling, make sure your grill is hot before adding the chicken breasts; if baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal results.

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