grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe
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The Best grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe

I’ve been making this grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic American dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner at home. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is just right, and the chicken turns out juicy and tender every time.

I love that it’s easy to make and requires minimal prep work, making it a great option for busy weeknights or weekends when we’re short on time. My kids love helping me mix up the marinade and tossing the chicken on the grill – it’s a fun and interactive process that gets them involved in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers are always a bonus – we can enjoy it for days after the initial meal, reheating it in the oven or on the grill for a quick and satisfying meal.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly healthy, with no added sugars or preservatives. We feel good about what we’re putting into our bodies, and that’s a win-win in my book.

I’ve experimented with various BBQ sauce recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to – it’s tried-and-true and never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just feeding your family, this grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

I’ve also found that this recipe works beautifully with boneless chicken breasts or thighs – both options yield delicious results. If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal solution that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, look no further than this grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe.

Grilled Barbecue Chicken with Homemade Marinade

Grilled Barbecue Chicken with Homemade Marinade

4.9 from 1362 votes

This grilled barbecue chicken recipe features a homemade marinade that infuses the chicken with smoky and sweet flavors. Grilled to perfection, this dish is perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For Grilling

vegetable oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2Whisk until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
3Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
4Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
5Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours for better flavor.
6Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, while the chicken marinates.
7If you are using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with white ash.
8The grill is ready when you can hold your hand about 5 inches above the grill for 3-4 seconds before it feels too hot.
9Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
10Discard the remaining marinade.
11Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
12Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
13You should see nice grill marks and the chicken should be slightly charred.
14If the chicken starts to burn, reduce the heat slightly.
15If you are using a thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast to check the temperature.
16Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
17This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.
18During this time, the chicken will release some juices and it should be a nice golden brown color.
19Slice the chicken against the grain into strips or bite-sized pieces.
20Serve the grilled barbecue chicken hot, with your favorite side dishes.
21You can also slice the chicken and serve it on buns with additional barbecue sauce if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Brush
Grill

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 1800mg🌾Total Carbs: 11g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the cayenne pepper to taste for a spicier or milder marinade. For a smokier flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.

Watch Video Of How Grilled Barbecue Chicken with Homemade Marinade Works

This grilled barbecue chicken marinade recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick dinner solution. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep work – just toss the ingredients together and let them sit in the fridge until ready to cook.

The leftovers are always a bonus – we can enjoy it for days after the initial meal, reheating it in the oven or on the grill for a quick and satisfying meal. For storage ideas, simply place leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months – thaw before reheating as desired.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Barbecue Chicken with Marinade

Q: What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

A: You can use any type of BBQ sauce you like, but I prefer to use a homemade version made with ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (optional), paprika (optional), lemon juice (optional), and water. This way, you can adjust the levels of sweetness and spice to your liking.

Q: Can I use other types of protein in this recipe?

A: Yes! You can substitute chicken with pork chops or even beef if you prefer – just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: How long does it take to marinate the chicken?

A: You can marinate the chicken anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator – just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: Can I grill this chicken indoors?

A: While you can use an indoor grill pan or skillet to cook this chicken, I highly recommend using an outdoor grill for maximum flavor and texture.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free – just be sure to check your BBQ sauce ingredients if using store-bought.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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