Unbelievable Chicken Recipe
Chicken Breast with Mustard Marinade
Ingredients
This recipe was developed with its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
- cup cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons prepared coarse-ground mustard (or to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- lemon, juiced
- cup brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Directions
- In a large glass or ceramic bowl, combine the cider vinegar, mustard, garlic, lime juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the olive oil into the mixture until fully combined.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss them to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill to high heat, lightly oiling the grill grate to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
- Discard any remaining marinade after grilling.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is based on the full amount of the marinade ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on marinating time and ingredient variations.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 337 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 67mg |
| Sodium | 736mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Vitamin C | 11mg |
| Calcium | 42mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Potassium | 269mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. The amount is based on available nutrient data.
If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Unbelievable Chicken is a delightful dish that takes the art of marination to a whole new level. With its tangy, sweet, and savory combination of brown sugar, mustard, garlic, and citrus, this recipe has become a favorite for many grilling enthusiasts. But there's more to this simple yet delicious dish than meets the eye.
History of the Recipe
The origins of Unbelievable Chicken are rooted in the tradition of marinated meats, a cooking technique that dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, used marinades not only to tenderize meat but to impart rich flavors. The modern Unbelievable Chicken recipe, however, is a more recent creation, popularized by home cooks and grilling aficionados in the United States in the early 21st century. It blends the tanginess of vinegar and citrus with the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a unique flavor profile that has garnered rave reviews from those who try it.
Regional Variations
While the basic recipe for Unbelievable Chicken is consistent across most versions, regional variations do exist. In some areas, people might add local ingredients such as honey or mustard from specific regions, tweaking the balance of sweet and savory flavors. For example, in the southern United States, some might replace olive oil with vegetable oil or add a touch of smoked paprika to give the dish a more robust, smoky flavor. In contrast, in the Pacific Northwest, fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme might be used to complement the marinade's citrusy notes.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
Unbelievable Chicken stands apart from other grilled chicken recipes due to its distinctive marinade. While many grilled chicken recipes rely on basic spices or pre-made sauces, this dish uses a balanced combination of citrus juices (lime and lemon), brown sugar, and mustard, along with cider vinegar, to create a marinade that penetrates deep into the chicken. Unlike other grilled chicken recipes that may be more straightforward or rely heavily on herbs and spices, Unbelievable Chicken offers a more complex and vibrant flavor profile, thanks to its sweet, tangy, and savory components.
Where Its Typically Served
Unbelievable Chicken is often served at backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and casual outdoor parties. Its versatility makes it a great choice for any occasion, whether it's served as the main dish with a side of grilled vegetables and potatoes, or incorporated into a larger spread of finger foods. Additionally, many people enjoy this dish at summer cookouts and picnics, where its delicious marinade helps keep the chicken tender and juicy even when grilled to perfection. Its also a popular dish to prepare in advance and freeze, making it an ideal choice for camping trips and vacations.
Interesting Facts
One interesting fact about Unbelievable Chicken is how its marinade interacts with the chickens texture. The combination of citrus and vinegar tenderizes the meat, allowing it to absorb all the flavors while staying incredibly juicy. In fact, some cooks suggest marinating the chicken for longer than the recommended 8 hours for even more intense flavor. Another fun tidbit is that the recipe can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes, whether you prefer a more tangy marinade or a sweeter one. Many fans of this recipe experiment with different types of mustard or add hot sauce to bring in an extra kick.
Conclusion
Unbelievable Chicken is more than just a simple grilling recipeit's a dish that tells the story of culinary traditions passed down through generations, adapted and refined over time. Whether you stick to the classic marinade or make your own variations, this recipe is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Its rich flavors and juicy texture make it a favorite at any cookout, and its versatility ensures it remains a beloved dish for years to come.
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FAQ about Unbelievable Chicken Recipe
Comments
Robert Baker
04/11/2024 11:26:05 PM
This marinade was absolutely delicious! I love the combination of flavors in it. When I cook using my own ingredients, I often end up using similar ones, so this was right up my alley. Even though I didn't have time to marinate and grill the chicken, I decided to bake it instead. I prepared a half portion of the marinade and placed the chicken (I sliced two boneless breasts into cutlets) in a glass baking dish, then baked it at 350 degrees until it was cooked through. This method is my go-to for cooking chicken when I'm short on time, as the meat absorbs so much flavor from the marinade and it cooks quickly. Highly recommend trying it out!
Heather Clark
03/02/2025 05:30:09 AM
I received this recipe from a friend online and I absolutely adored it! The only modification I made was using 2 tablespoons of whole grain mustard and 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard. I then used a hand blender to make the marinade smoother. I cut the chicken into cubes and marinated half of it in one bag with the marinade, while storing the other half in the freezer for later use. I let it marinate for 8 hours. I skewered the chicken, green peppers, onions, and pineapples, grilling each side for 2 minutes and basting with the leftover marinade. It turned out fantastic! I plan to make this throughout the summer. Thank you!
George Phillips
05/26/2024 09:24:40 PM
Fantastic marinade! The key to making this recipe outstanding is using freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice. Avoid using concentrated juices as they can overshadow the other flavors. The cooking instructions suggest 6-8 minutes per side, but keep in mind that the citrus in the marinade helps the chicken cook faster. Be careful not to overcook, as it can result in rubbery chicken. This marinated chicken is perfect for adding to salads! It has quickly become a new favorite in our household. Many thanks to Letsgggo for sharing this wonderful recipe.
Aaron Young
01/19/2023 01:19:01 AM
I have prepared this recipe multiple times because my son keeps asking for it. While it is fantastic on the charcoal grill, I prefer to marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts with it and then cook them on the George Foreman grill.
Carolyn Campbell
07/24/2024 02:16:59 AM
I absolutely loved this marinade! The addition of brown sugar really sets it apart. I marinated 3 chicken breasts, which I flattened out, using the same amount of marinade but reducing the olive oil to 3 tablespoons instead of 6. I also swapped out the coarse ground mustard for dijon. Leaving the chicken to marinate overnight was key - it absorbed almost all of the flavors. The grilled chicken smelled amazing and tasted even better. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Ruth Smith
08/27/2022 09:50:54 AM
These were fantastic! I followed the recipe precisely and the outcome was incredibly delicious. The chicken was moist, with a subtle hint of sweetness and a burst of flavor. I believe this chicken would be perfect for a sandwich with Swiss cheese and honey mustard. I will certainly be making this again.
Eric Baker
08/24/2023 03:42:57 AM
Absolutely scrumptious! The initial strong smell of vinegar during the marinade preparation was a bit off-putting, but it contributed a delightful tang to the final flavor. I opted for Jack Daniels Honey Dijon Mustard, included Lawry's Seasoned Salt, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, and increased the garlic to 4 cloves. Canola Oil worked perfectly, and I believe the Lemon Juice could be omitted. Marinating for the full 8 hours is a must. I will definitely be making this dish repeatedly. Many thanks, Ruthie.
Patricia King
10/02/2022 12:22:08 AM
Review Rewritten: The chicken turned out incredibly juicy and tender! We marinated large boneless skinless chicken breasts for around 18 hours and grilled them outside. Surprisingly, there was no need to oil the grill – we simply let them cook thoroughly on one side before flipping them. I was unsure about coarse ground mustard, and my grocery store only had brown, regular, and Dijon. I opted for brown spicy mustard and substituted olive oil with vegetable oil since I didn’t have any. The result was fantastic! This recipe is definitely going to be a regular in my meal rotation!
Paul Moore
11/09/2024 02:11:19 AM
I have been using this marinade recipe for years and it is truly the best I have ever tried. I recently misplaced my recipe and frantically searched the site for it, but couldn't find the exact one until I did an ingredient search. :) For those who find the marinade bland, I have had that happen a few times as well. Now, I always let the meat marinate overnight, then leave it out at room temperature for about half an hour before grilling. Remember to taste the marinade as you prepare it so you can adjust the seasoning to your personal preference. This step is crucial because the amount of juice in lemons and limes can vary, and they are key to the success of this recipe. So, remember to let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling, and always taste the marinade before adding the chicken to make any necessary adjustments.
Margaret Wilson
09/07/2024 11:10:25 PM
I have tried this recipe twice already. The second time, I made a small modification by omitting the lemon and lime juice as it seemed to make the chicken meat tough. Instead, I used 3/4 cup of brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of honey. I used the marinated chicken to prepare kabobs, brushing the excess marinade over them before grilling. The result was delicious!
Elizabeth Hall
12/23/2022 02:51:12 AM
I have been using this recipe for a while now, and it's the only one that has compelled me to write a review. I follow the marinade instructions to a tee, and it always turns out incredibly delicious. What's great is that you can easily customize it based on what you have at home. You can use any type of vinegar or mustard and even swap lemon and lime juice instead of squeezing the fruits (I usually eyeball it and use half the amount of lemon compared to lime), and it still tastes fantastic. It's nearly impossible to mess up this recipe. While it's perfect for grilled chicken kabobs, I find making kabobs too time-consuming, so I use a grill basket inside a 9x13 pan. I pour the marinated chicken into the basket, allowing the excess marinade to drip into the pan. Then, I top the chicken with large pieces of onions, green/red/yellow peppers, and pineapple. I take the whole setup to the grill, placing the basket chicken side down on the preheated grill. I then pour all the leftover marinade from the pan onto the veggies to coat everything well. I grill it on medium heat for about 10 minutes per side until everything is nicely browned, resulting in tasty kabobs without the hassle. I usually serve it over a bed of lettuce, making extra marinade to use as a dressing, turning it into a salad. My "shishkabob salad" is a huge hit with my husband and his friends, and getting men to rave about a salad speaks volumes.
David Harris
10/28/2022 05:05:50 PM
I was hesitant about trying the cider vinegar, but I'm glad I did. It's definitely a keeper!
Margaret Robinson
05/16/2024 01:02:15 PM
I followed the recipe as written and the result was incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with flavor. Absolutely loved it!
James Rodriguez
04/01/2024 08:31:17 PM
Very tasty!
Rachel Hall
03/19/2025 04:40:12 PM
I marinated it for just a few hours and it still came out flavorful! Can't wait to make it again!
Debra Edwards
06/04/2025 04:41:05 PM
I absolutely adore it, incredibly thorough.
Donald Lee
05/30/2025 01:23:15 PM
My entire family consistently requests this chicken dish. Every summer, when we vacation with another family, I prepare and marinate it in advance, then freeze it for the trip. Packed in the cooler, we head to the 1000 Islands! It has become the favorite meal of the week for everyone.
Dennis Edwards
04/01/2024 10:37:11 AM
Had all the ingredients ready, and the chicken turned out delicious.
Carol Hill
06/04/2025 01:11:05 PM
This marinade is absolutely incredible! Unlike many others, it doesn't just enhance the skin but infuses the chicken with amazing flavor all the way through. Definitely a winner!
Diane Torres
09/26/2022 01:15:32 AM
The chicken was incredibly delicious! I followed the recipe exactly, except I used chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. It was so yummy!