How To Marinate Chicken With BBQ

Marinating Chicken for the Perfect BBQ

When it comes to hosting a BBQ, marinated chicken is a must-have on the menu. The key to a delicious BBQ chicken lies in the marinade. A good marinade not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps to tenderize it, resulting in juicy and succulent chicken. Here’s a simple guide on how to marinate chicken for the perfect BBQ:

Choose the Right Cut

Before you start marinating, it’s important to choose the right cut of chicken. While you can use any part of the chicken, some popular choices for BBQ include chicken thighs, drumsticks, and breast. These cuts are not only flavorful but also hold up well to the grilling process.

Prepare the Marinade

The key to a great marinade is the perfect balance of flavors. A basic BBQ chicken marinade typically includes a combination of oil, acid, sweetener, salt, and spices. Here’s a simple recipe for a classic BBQ chicken marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to customize the marinade according to your taste preferences. You can add ingredients like lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce to give it a unique twist.

Marinating the Chicken

Once the marinade is ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Grilling the Chicken

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the chicken with additional BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra punch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up. Pair the BBQ chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, and potato salad for a complete BBQ experience. Don’t forget to have extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping!

With this simple guide, you can elevate your BBQ game with delicious and flavorful marinated chicken. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or a casual dinner, marinated BBQ chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.