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BBQ Chicken Marinade (with pantry staples) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Lora
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: Varies depending on cooking method (grill ~15-20 minutes, oven ~25-30 minutes)
  • Total Time: At least 2 hours 5 minutes including marinating
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Marinade
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This easy and flavorful BBQ Chicken Marinade uses common pantry staples to create a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. It's quick to prepare and ideal for marinating chicken before grilling, baking, or cooking by your preferred method. The marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing it with rich taste, making it ideal for a delicious homemade BBQ dish.

Ingredients

BBQ Chicken Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients—light brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper—until completely combined and smooth.
  2. Pour Over Chicken: Set aside about 1/4 cup of the prepared marinade for brushing later. Place the chicken pieces in a large zipper-top bag or airtight container and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Toss or seal and shake to thoroughly coat each piece.
  3. Marinate: Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop, but ideally up to 24 hours for maximum tenderness and taste infusion.
  4. Cook as Desired: Remove chicken from the marinade and cook by your preferred method—grilling, smoking, sous vide, stovetop, baking in the oven, or air frying—all work well with this marinade.
  5. Brush with Reserved Marinade: During or after cooking, brush the reserved marinade onto the chicken to boost flavor and create a glossy, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Do not reuse leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken unless boiled first to eliminate bacteria.
  • Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours, but longer (up to 24 hours) will give better flavor and tenderness.
  • This marinade works well with chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even wings.
  • Adjust seasoning or sugar levels to taste for less sweetness or more tang.
  • For a smoky depth, consider adding smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.

Find it online: https://meallora.com/bbq-chicken-marinade-with-pantry-staples-recipe/