Homemade Chicken Marinade

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Last Updated on September 18, 2024 by Toya

Are you tired of bland, dry chicken recipes? If you are, then you must try my easy homemade chicken marinade recipe to elevate your chicken. This easy homemade chicken marinade is your ticket to juicy, flavorful chicken that’s anything but boring. With a perfect blend of flavors, this marinade infuses your chicken with mouthwatering flavors in just a few simple steps. Plus, it uses super easy-to-find ingredients you’re likely to have in your kitchen right now!

Why This Marinade Works:

The secret to this marinade is the balance of ingredients. The butter adds richness, while the vinegar provide umami depth and tanginess. The honey (or maple syrup) adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

Versatility:

One of the best things about this marinade is its versatility. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-frying, this marinade works perfectly with all cooking methods. Plus, it’s great not just for chicken breasts, but also thighs, wings, or even drumsticks. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit other proteins like pork or tofu.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup), optional

Instructions:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, chicken stock and vinegar. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
• Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground black pepper, and salt. If you like a bit of heat, throw in the red pepper flakes. Whisk again to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
• Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a large, resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours. If you have the time, overnight marination is ideal for maximum flavor absorption.

Cooking marinated chicken

• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Pan-Frying: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

How to serve + Important Tips

• Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
• Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice.

• Marination Time: For the most flavor, let your chicken marinate for at least 2-4 hours. If you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes will do wonders.
• Cooking to Perfection: Always cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat while staying juicy.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this marinated chicken with a simple side salad, roasted veggies, or fluffy rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Next time you’re planning a meal, skip the store-bought marinades and whip up this simple homemade chicken marinade recipe in no time at all!