Cooking marinated chicken can seem intimidating but it’s actually quite simple with just a few tips. By properly preparing and marinating the chicken and using the right cooking techniques, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken ready for any recipe. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook marinated chicken to perfection.
Selecting and Preparing the Chicken
The first step is choosing high quality chicken. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs when marinating. The marinade can really penetrate and tenderize boneless cuts.
Trim any excess fat or membranes before marinating. This prevents the marinade from soaking into fatty areas. Rinse the chicken and pat it completely dry. You want the marinade to adhere directly to the meat, not sit on moisture.
Many marinade recipes call for cutting the chicken into smaller, uniform pieces. This increases the surface area for the marinade to cover. Aim for around 1 inch cubes or strips. Cutting against the grain of the meat also helps it absorb more marinade.
The Marinating Process
The ideal marinating time is at least 30 minutes, up to overnight in the refrigerator This gives enough time for the flavors to be absorbed into the chicken, resulting in moist, more intense flavor.
Pour the marinade over the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Make sure all of the pieces are coated. Let it sit in the fridge occasionally turning or moving the bag around.
Don’t marinate for longer than 24 hours, as the acids in the marinade can start to break down the proteins. If marinating for over 2 hours, reserve a bit of the marinade to brush on later for added flavor.
Cooking Marinated Chicken
There are several good cooking methods for marinated chicken. The high heat helps develop flavors and creates delicious browning.
Grilling is a popular option. Cook over direct medium heat for 6-10 minutes per side. Baste frequently with reserved marinade. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Broiling works well too. Place the chicken on a foil-lined pan and broil 5-7 minutes each side, checking often. Baste with marinade and broil another 1-2 minutes after flipping.
Pan-searing on the stovetop is quick. Use a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 4-6 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
Baking is simple too. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until no longer pink inside. Brush with extra marinade during baking.
Handling Leftover Marinade
Avoid basting chicken with leftover marinade later used as a sauce; this can spread bacteria.
Instead, reserve a portion before marinating. Boil it for 10 minutes first to kill any bacteria. Then use it as a sauce or for basting while cooking.
Discard any leftover marinade from raw chicken after done cooking. It contains raw juices which are unsafe once heated. Make a fresh batch of sauce using safe handling.
Tips for Flavorful, Juicy Chicken
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Use an acidic marinade. Ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt help tenderize.
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Include oil or dairy for increased moisture. Olive oil, buttermilk, etc.
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Season well with salt, pepper, spices. Add some heat with chili powder or garlic.
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Marinate in the fridge, not room temperature. This prevents bacteria growth.
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Pat chicken dry before marinating so the flavor sticks directly to the meat.
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Flip or stir chicken in the marinade a few times to maximize coverage.
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Cook over high heat like grilling or broiling. Avoid slow cooking marinated chicken.
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Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly.
Sample Marinade Recipes
Greek Chicken Marinade
Lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, minced garlic, salt, pepper. Marinate chicken 15-30 minutes.
Tandoori Chicken Marinade
Plain yogurt, lime juice, ginger, garam masala, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic. Marinate overnight.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken Marinade
Soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, thyme, allspice, black pepper, habanero peppers, green onions. Marinate 1-2 hours.
Fajita Chicken Marinade
Lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, oregano, minced garlic, pepper. Marinate 30 minutes up to overnight.
Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
Soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger. Marinate at least 1 hour.
Perfectly Cooked Marinated Chicken Every Time
Cooking marinated chicken requires just a bit of prep and some simple techniques. Proper marinating and high heat cooking are key for flavorful, juicy chicken. Follow these tips and you’ll have delicious marinated chicken ready for any recipe. Feel free to get creative with marinade ingredients and cooking methods based on your tastes.
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How To Freeze Marinated Chicken
Having marinated chicken in the freezer is one of the best ways to meal prep. You’ll seriously have the most amazing and flavorful chicken ready at your fingertips for cooking! But first, here are a few tips on how to freeze it properly.
- Prep the chicken. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can and seal the bag.
- Store away. Label the name of the marinade and the date on the bag. Then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Defrost. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Once the chicken is thawed, cook it using any of the below methods!
- Pro tip: you don’t need to marinate the chicken in the fridge before freezing. Just toss it straight into the freezer! As the chicken freezes and then thaws in the fridge overnight (when you’re ready to enjoy it), that’s when the chicken will go through the marinating process.
Ways To Cook With Marinated Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, you’ve got a few options. Baked chicken is my default method given how easy it is to just pop it in the oven for 20 minutes or so. But if you want that deliciously charred flavor, you can easily grill it.
- Baked Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then pour the chicken breasts and the marinade into a small baking dish (Note: if you have a large baking dish or rimmed sheet pan, omit the marinade as it will spread out and get charred). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once the chicken is done, make sure to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it.
- Grilled Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-heat and grill each side of the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through with the perfect set of grill marks.
You only have 30 mins, make Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs
FAQ
How to cook a marinated chicken?
Marinate in the refrigerator, 2 to 4 hours. Preheat grill for medium-low heat and lightly oil the grate. Drain and discard marinade. Grill chicken on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
How to cook chicken after it’s marinated?
Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade) and place on baking sheet. Put in the oven to bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This time will range depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts so be sure to check at the 20 minute mark to not overcook.
Is it best to fry or bake marinated chicken?
Oven roasting gives it a full and robust flavor. Pan frying is mostly for a good sear (crispy skin) and many notes of aromatics and herbs. Roasting in the oven is cleaner, tastier and faster because you spend less time cleaning the stove top.
How to cook marinated chicken in a pan?