BEST BBQ Chicken Marinade
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Posted: 04/10/21
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This is the BEST BBQ Chicken Marinade ever! It’s quick and easy and sure to be your favorite. This marinade produces so much flavor, is the perfect amount of sweet and tangy and keeps your grilled chicken tender, juicy and delicious! Dare we say that after using this marinade recipe you’ll never use another one again?
Pair this easy dinner perfect for summer with Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad and Roasted Vegetables for an easy family friendly meal. Don’t forget the Strawberry Crisp for a sweet treat!
Sometimes the thought of eating chicken breasts one more time is so boring! That’s why I like to make an easy marinade for our protein like this fabulous BBQ Chicken Marinade. It adds so much flavor to your chicken and it’s so easy to mix up. If you don’t feel like firing up the grill, I recommend Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs tonight!
I love that there are minimal dishes involved in this marinade and grilling it outside saves on them too. Plus, it’s easy to sneak in healthier foods for my family. I usually pair it with Grilled Vegetables and even throw diced sweet potatoes in there to make it a little more hearty. Or serve it with Roasted Red Potato Salad!
Why This Marinade Works
- I bet you have the ingredients in your pantry already. It’s such an easy chicken marinade recipe to make at the last minute.
- You only need to marinate your chicken for two hours to pick up that delicious flavor, but can marinade up to two days.
- Guess what! It’s a freezer friendly meal. Freeze your chicken in the marinade then when you want to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill the next night!
If you are looking for a delicious twist, yet an easy recipe you have to make these BBQ Chicken Breasts this summer!
Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts – We recommend pounded these to an even thickness so they grill evenly. You could also mix it up and use drumsticks, thighs etc.
- Dried Onion Flakes – Finely diced fresh onion will work too.
- Smoked Paprika – Can use regular paprika, but the hint of smoked flavor is perfect for this recipe.
- Salt and Pepper
- Honey – Any sweetener with will work.
- Ketchup – Pick your favorite brand.
- Soy Sauce – Could substitute with Liquid Aminos.
BBQ Marinade Chicken Preparation Steps
- Make Marinade – Mix all the ingredients, except the chicken together in a mixing bowl.
- Marinate Chicken – Place the mixed marinade in a resealable gallon plastic bag, add boneless skinless chicken breasts and seal bag, squeezing out as much as as you can. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
- Grill Chicken – Place chicken on a preheated and oiled grill. Grill over medium-high heat for 15 minutes, flipping half way through cooking time or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes.
Here are a few commonly asked questions about making this grilled chicken marinade.
If you have any additional questions make sure to leave us a comment below and we will do the best to answer you!
FAQ for the Best BBQ Chicken Marinade
How long should you marinate chicken?
Usually 2 hours is long enough for the chicken to soak up the flavor of your BBQ marinade, but you can leave your chicken in the marinade in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Do I need to flip the chicken in the marinade?
For best results flip the bag over while marinating or if it’s in a container flip the chicken over.
Can I freeze chicken in this marinade?
Yes! Simply place the chicken into a freezer-safe bag and pour the prepared marinade over the top of it. Toss the chicken to make sure it’s coated and then squeeze the air out of the bag. Place it in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to use the chicken remove from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then grill your chicken according to the directions!
What Kind of Chicken Can I Use?
This marinade works great with all cuts of chicken! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option, or go with chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Bone-in, skin-on pieces like drumsticks and wings also soak up the flavors beautifully and get that perfect caramelized finish when grilled. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut you choose!
Can I Use a Different Kind of Meat with This Marinade?
Absolutely! This marinade isn’t just for chicken—it also works great with pork chops, ribs, or even steak. For a seafood twist, try it on shrimp or salmon, but reduce the marinating time to 15-30 minutes to prevent the meat from becoming mushy. No matter what protein you choose, this marinade brings bold, smoky-sweet flavor to every bite!
What to Serve with Your BBQ Marinade Grilled Chicken
- If you are hesitant to make potato salad because it’s time consuming try this easy Instant Pot Potato Salad that’s packed with as much flavor as the traditional version.
- Have fresh green beans out of the garden? Wrap them in bacon and make these delicious Green Bean Bundles!
- Make the ultimate summer dessert to pair it with. No one can ever turn down a scoop of homemade Cookie Dough Ice Cream!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
BBQ Chicken Marinade Recipe
This Quick and Easy Chicken Marinade Will Soon Be Your Favorite! It Produces So Much Flavor, is the Perfect Amount of Sweet and Tangy and Keeps Your Grilled Chicken Moist and Delicious!
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
- 1 Tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 Tablespoon honey
- 4 Tablespoon Ketchup
- 4 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a shallow glass bowl combine all ingredients except chicken. Mix all together. Add chicken, stir to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
- Lightly oil grill and preheat to medium-high.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard remaining marinade. Grill over medium-high heat for 15 minutes each side or until juices run clear and internal temperature of chicken breast is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also make this in a grill pan over medium high heat on your stovetop.
Tips
You can also use this marinade with drumsticks, thighs, wings etc.
How long should you marinate chicken?
Usually 2 hours is long enough for the chicken to soak up the flavor of your BBQ marinade, but you can leave your chicken in the marinade in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Can I freeze chicken in this marinade?
Yes!
Simply place the chicken into a freezer-safe bag and pour the prepared marinade over the top of it. Toss the chicken to make sure it’s coated and then squeeze the air out of the bag.
Place it in the freezer for up to three months.
When you are ready to use the chicken remove from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Then grill your chicken according to the directions!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 269kcal (13%), Carbohydrates: 34g (11%), Protein: 22g (44%), Fat: 4g (6%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Cholesterol: 107mg (36%), Sodium: 493mg (21%), Potassium: 393mg (11%), Sugar: 32g (36%), Vitamin A: 350IU (7%), Vitamin C: 1.6mg (2%), Calcium: 23mg (2%), Iron: 1.4mg (8%)
Christina says
I find this recipe too sweet for my taste. It needs more balance to be truly be great.