It’s summertime, which means it’s time to fire up the grill and get cooking. But if you want to make sure your barbecue is really mouth-watering, you need to start with the right ingredients. That’s why marinating chicken for BBQ is so important. Marinating gives the chicken flavor and tenderizes the meat, making it perfect for grilling. And best of all, marinating chicken for BBQ is really easy. Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients
To marinate chicken for BBQ, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you’re ready to start marinating. Here’s what you need to do:
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and make sure it’s evenly coated.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or up to overnight.
- When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Heat up the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
This marinated chicken for BBQ is a great way to get lean protein with minimal fat. A 4-ounce serving of chicken provides about 200 calories, 35 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fat. It’s also a great source of B vitamins, iron, and zinc. You can also customize this recipe to meet your dietary needs by using low-sodium soy sauce or swapping the olive oil for an alternative.
Remember to marinate the chicken for at least two hours, but overnight is ideal for the best flavor. Also, make sure to turn the chicken over occasionally to make sure it’s evenly coated in the marinade. When it’s time to cook, preheat the grill and make sure it’s hot before placing the chicken on it. This will help ensure that the chicken gets a nice char and cooks evenly.
Finally, make sure to let the chicken rest for at least five minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and ensure that your chicken is juicy and flavorful. Now you’re ready to enjoy the perfect BBQ chicken!
This marinated chicken for BBQ is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to dress it up. Serve it with a side of grilled veggies or a fresh summer salad. You can also top it off with a dollop of your favorite barbecue sauce or add some cheese for a cheesy twist. It’s also great for tacos, sandwiches, and wraps.
No matter how you serve it, this marinated chicken for BBQ is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, healthy, and oh-so-tasty. So fire up the grill and get marinating!
