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How To Marinade barbecue Chicken In 6 Easy And Simple Steps!

Having a barbecue night with family this summer? You’re in the right place to learn how to marinade barbecue chicken in quick and easy steps!

The marinade makes your barbecue juicy and exudes flavors. A perfect marinade is a balance of sweet and tangy flavors that keeps grilled chicken tender, juicy, and tasty.

Barbecuing in your outdoor kitchen with your family this summer is a great way to spend time together. So, prepare your grill and tongs and enjoy delicious foods with your family.

Are you now ready to make a marinade for your barbecue chicken? Let’s get started!

What Container To Use When Marinating Chicken?

fresh marinade barbecue chicken

Think about it again if you use plastic bags to put the marinades. We need to minimize plastic waste. 

I can recommend that you use a non-reactive container to marinate your food. Reusable plastic bags, stainless steel, glass, and metal are all great for marinating. 

You might want to avoid aluminum containers since they react with acids, affecting the color and flavor of the food. Refrigerate the marinade in an airtight container.

How Long Will You Marinate The Chicken for Barbecue?

marinade barbecue chicken in the pan

2 hours is usually enough time for the chicken to absorb the flavor of the barbeque marinade.

However, you may keep your chicken in the marinade for up to two days in the refrigerator. It will make your chicken more tasty and juicy. But this is only suitable for marinades without acids.

You can marinate your chicken ahead of time if you plan a barbecue night. It gives the chicken the best flavor, making it something you’ll want to enjoy.

How To Freeze Marinated Chicken?

marinade barbecue chicken prepped to go

When marinating chicken, you already know that it’s ideal for letting it soak up the flavors for a few hours. However, if you want to make a large batch ahead of time, you can just freeze it. 

Although freezing meat causes it to dry out, freezing marinated meat helps seal in moisture and taste. It’s a great way to prepare meals by doing all the hard work ahead. 

Squeeze out all of the air in the plastic bag with the chicken and marinade. Seal the bag and label it. Put it in the fridge for an hour, or freeze it right away if you don’t have enough time.

How To Defrost Marinated Chicken?

marinade barbecue chicken defrosted

You can defrost the chicken marinated in the fridge overnight or for at least 5 hours.  Pull a bag out of the freezer in the morning, and it’ll be ready for dinner.

Allowing them to defrost at room temperature may cause them to become too warm, affecting food safety. 

According to Healthline, food safety is typically an issue in this situation. It is because people don’t take foodborne illness seriously until they are the ones who are sick.

Defrosting can also be done in the microwave or water. However, if they’ve been microwaved, the texture isn’t quite as good.

How To Make Marinade for Chicken Barbecue?

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Dried onion flakes
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Honey 
  • Ketchup
  • Soy sauce

Steps To Make It:

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients except the chicken.

Step 2: Place the mixed marinade in a resealable bag and add the chicken.

Step 3: Seal the bag, squeezing air as much as possible. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

Step 4: Place the chicken on a grill that has been preheated and oiled. You can get the best oil mister for your grill here.

Step 5: Grill for 15 minutes over medium-high heat. Flip it halfway through or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. You might want to check at my most recent find, a smart meat thermometer.

Step 6: Remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside to rest for 5 minutes.

Tips and Tricks For Perfect Barbecue Grilled Chicken

marinade barbecue chicken on the grill
  • Don’t miss the oil. Chicken breasts are quite dry, so the oil helps to keep the cooked chicken breast moist.
  • If you want to use boneless chicken thighs, you can marinate them for a little longer. Since they are tougher meat, it is best to marinate it for 2 to 4 hours. Check out how to debone chicken thighs here!
  • Do not eat any of the remaining marinades in the bag after removing the chicken. You can pour it over chicken and cook it, but don’t eat it raw.
  • Cook chicken on the top rack of your grill to avoid flare-ups.
  • Buying a meat thermometer is the best thing to ensure that your chicken is cooked properly.

People Also Ask

Can I marinate with BBQ sauce?

Yes. When using a marinade like BBQ Chicken, the chicken breasts are guaranteed to be juicy and tender. 

should I wash the chicken before marinating?

Washing meats and poultry is never a good idea. Whether it’s done before cooking, freezing, or marinating, washing can direct to cross-contamination. Cross-contamination happens when bacteria from the meat spread to other places, like your hands or the kitchen counter.

Should I pierce the chicken before marinating?

Use a fork to penetrate in the surface of the poultry, especially thicker cuts like chicken breast, so that the marinade can get as deep as possible.

Conclusion

Who doesn’t love a juicy piece of grilled chicken marinated in a tasty sauce? Every time you have barbecues in the summer, this is one thing you want to serve.

Imagine eating grilled chicken that is juicy, tender, sweet, and tangy for dinner. And pair it with a bottle of good wine and enjoy the rest of the night.

This delicious chicken marinade recipe will satisfy your entire family and guests. Get your knife sharpened, tongs, and grill ready for a night of grilling!

What is your secret recipe? Let me know in the comments!