Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe

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Cook Time: 10 minutes

This top-rated grilled chicken marinade ensures perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken every time. Below is a simple guide on how to make this delicious marinade and use it for grilling your chicken to perfection.

Grilled Chicken Marinade Ingredients

• Red wine vinegar: The base of this marinade provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and infuses the chicken with a rich flavor.
• Soy sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is ideal, but you can use regular soy sauce for a saltier taste.
• Spices and seasonings: The mix includes dried parsley flakes, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and ground black pepper for a savory kick.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Marinade

Making this marinade couldn't be easier! Just follow these steps:

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together cup of red wine vinegar, cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce, cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoons of dried parsley flakes, teaspoon of dried basil, teaspoon of dried oregano, teaspoon of garlic powder, and teaspoon of ground black pepper.
2. Step 2: Pour the marinade into a resealable plastic bag.
3. Step 3: Add 5 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (thinly sliced) into the bag. Seal the bag tightly, squeezing out any excess air to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate and let the chicken marinate for 2 to 4 hours.

How to Grill the Chicken

Once your chicken is perfectly marinated, it's time to grill it to perfection:

1. Step 5: Preheat your grill to medium-low heat and lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
2. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade (for food safety reasons, don't reuse it as a sauce or dressing).
3. Step 7: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165F (74C).

Tips for Success

This marinade works great with any cut of chicken: breasts, thighs, wings, or drumsticks. Whether you're grilling or baking, this recipe guarantees moist, flavorful chicken every time. Just be sure to discard the used marinade after it has coated the chicken for food safety purposes.

Community Feedback

Many have praised this marinade for its simplicity and taste:

• "I've made this twice with chicken thighs and a side of kale salad. Its been a huge hit!" - Domestic goddess
• "Great because it was tasty and super simple. I added a little extra pepper and green Tabasco for some extra kick. Still fabulous!" - Heidi
• "I made this for my whole family and let it marinate overnight. The chicken turned out really tasty and simple to make. Will definitely make it again!" - JudyC

Ingredients

• cup red wine vinegar
• cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• teaspoon dried basil
• teaspoon dried oregano
• teaspoon garlic powder
• teaspoon ground black pepper
• 5 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Whisk the vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper together in a bowl.
3. Pour the marinade into a resealable plastic bag.
4. Add the chicken and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-low heat and lightly oil the grate.
6. Drain the marinade and discard it.
7. Grill the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	233
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	482mg
Total Carbohydrate	2g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Protein	24g
Calcium	22mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	246mg

History of Grilled Chicken Marinade

The art of marinating meats, particularly chicken, has ancient roots. Marinating is believed to have originated in the Middle East, where early culinary traditions embraced the use of spices, herbs, and acidic liquids like vinegar and citrus to tenderize and flavor meats. The practice spread throughout different cultures, and over time, various marinade recipes emerged in different regions. While grilling meats is commonly associated with American BBQ traditions, marinades that combine vinegar, oil, and herbs like basil and oregano have become popular worldwide. This particular grilled chicken marinade, which uses red wine vinegar, soy sauce, and olive oil, represents a modern take on the classic method of infusing flavors into meat before grilling or roasting. The combination of these ingredients creates a balance of tangy, savory, and herbaceous notes, making it a favorite for backyard cookouts.

Regional Variations

Regional variations of grilled chicken marinades exist all around the world, with ingredients being tailored to local tastes and available produce. In Mediterranean regions, for instance, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme are commonly used. In Asia, marinades with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger are prevalent, often accompanied by a touch of sweetness from honey or brown sugar. This specific marinade, with its use of red wine vinegar and soy sauce, is likely to be favored in Western cuisines, particularly in American and European BBQ traditions, where a balance of acidity, saltiness, and herbs enhances the grilled flavor of chicken. Depending on local preferences, the base of the marinade can be adjusted to suit regional tastes, with variations in herbs or the inclusion of spicier elements like chili or hot sauce.

How This Recipe Differs from Similar Dishes

This grilled chicken marinade stands out from other chicken marinades due to its simplicity and balance of flavors. While many marinades rely heavily on soy sauce for saltiness or vinegar for acidity, this recipe combines both, creating a nuanced depth of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. Many similar marinades are either too soy-forward or too tangy, but this recipe strikes the perfect middle ground. It also features an Italian-inspired mix of dried basil and oregano, which sets it apart from other American BBQ marinades that might use more robust flavors like Worcestershire sauce, mustard, or ketchup. The lightness of this marinade allows the chicken to absorb the flavors while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the grill.

Where Grilled Chicken Marinade is Typically Served

Grilled chicken marinated with this simple recipe is a versatile dish, suitable for various occasions. It's often served during casual family gatherings, picnics, and BBQs, especially during the summer months. The dish pairs wonderfully with side salads, roasted vegetables, or grains such as rice or quinoa. This marinade is popular in American households, particularly for grilled chicken breasts or kabobs. Its also a go-to for grilling enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different meats. The marinade works equally well with chicken thighs, wings, or drumsticks. Whether cooked on a gas or charcoal grill, the recipe delivers consistent, flavorful results every time, making it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned grill masters alike.

Interesting Facts About Grilled Chicken Marinade

1. While marinades are typically seen as a flavor-enhancing method, they also help tenderize meat. The acids in ingredients like vinegar break down the muscle fibers, making the chicken more tender.

2. The red wine vinegar used in this marinade not only imparts tanginess but also adds a slight depth of flavor, making it a unique component compared to other more commonly used vinegars like balsamic or apple cider vinegar.

3. Soy sauce is a key ingredient in many marinades around the world due to its umami-rich flavor. This ingredient, originally from East Asia, has become a staple in global cooking, and its saltiness helps enhance the flavors of meats like chicken, beef, and pork.

4. The choice of olive oil in this recipe not only provides moisture but also adds a rich, fruity undertone to the marinade, which works beautifully with the herbs and spices used in the recipe.

5. Marinating chicken overnight can enhance the flavor even more, as the chicken absorbs the spices and oils deeply, resulting in a more flavorful bite.

6. Many grilling enthusiasts swear by using the leftover marinade (after boiling it for a few minutes to eliminate any bacteria) as a baste during grilling. This method adds a layer of flavor while ensuring the chicken stays moist and delicious.

FAQ about Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe

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