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Tender Chicken Marinade

Savory Tender Chicken Marinade for Juicy Grilled Perfection

This Tender Chicken Marinade infuses rich flavors into your chicken, making it juicy and tender, perfect for grilling.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil can be swapped for any neutral oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar red wine vinegar is a good substitute
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce tamari can be used for gluten-free option
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce can be omitted if necessary
  • 1 large fresh lemon juice lime juice is a great alternative
  • cup packed brown sugar honey can be used as an alternative
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary fresh can be used but adjust the amount
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or spicy brown mustard yellow mustard is an acceptable alternative
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder fresh minced garlic can replace it

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • Resealable Plastic Bag
  • grill

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Add the juice of one lemon, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until fully combined, and the sugar dissolves.
  2. Take ½ cup of the marinade and set it aside in a small bowl for later basting.
  3. Place your chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated well. Seal the bag tightly, then gently massage it.
  4. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally letting it sit for 4-6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  5. About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove the chicken from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels.
  7. Place the seasoned chicken pieces directly on the grill. Grill for about 5-6 minutes on one side, then flip and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes.
  8. During the grilling process, baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade.
  9. After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 16gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 200mgSugar: 5gVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Store remaining marinade in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. After marinating, chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.

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