Marinating chicken is done 30-45 minutes before cooking the meat. This is the most essential step to infuse moisture and create an appetizing dish. A handful of spices, yogurt and acid are all you need to make it juicier and tastier. Bone-in cuts like wings and breasts take a little longer than their boneless counterparts. A marinade is usually a liquid solution with a proper balance of wine, citrus juice and vinegar where you can soak the meat.
The right amount and type can hold loads of flavor. For instance, a mix of garlic, lemon and basil can turn around any chicken preparation. You can either make them at home before cooking or simply order a wholesome chicken dish to avoid the process. But it is a good idea to have a few quick recipes in hand if you are in the mood to cook! Here are a few types.
This is an excellent choice if you wish to avoid salt. The main ingredients are vegetable oil, sugar, grounded ginger, soy sauce and orange juice. Teriyaki can also be used for salmons and shrimp besides chicken. It is rich and savory and creates an absolutely irresistible dish to leave you all satiated. But make sure not to marinate for more than an hour since the acid can alter the texture of the meat.
If you like your chicken sweet yet punchy, this is the perfect marinade for you. It is extremely delectable and made from olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard and honey. Know that this marinade is quite thick. The recommended marination time is between 6-24 hours depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
Marinating for a minimum of 12 hours will get the juice inside the meat. The result is a subtle lime zest that will leave you licking your fingers! You will need chopped cilantro, lime juice, vegetable oil, honey, cumin, salt, pepper and minced garlic cloves. The overall taste is herbaceous and mellowed tangy. You may add mild chili powder for added flavors. This is one of the easiest recipes for grilled chicken and enters the meat easily.
To make this juice, you will need red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, minced garlic cloves, red wine vinegar and olive oil. This gives a distinct spicy hot flavor. Make sure to use fresh herbs since they may lose their charm when dried. A handful of lemony basil is a good idea for a variation from the traditional tangy taste.
This gives any chicken dish an extra kick of flavor. It is made from a mix of vegetable oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Fajita is perfect for anyone who does not prefer spicy dishes but enjoy classic Mexican flavors.
Marinating is a way to add an extra taste and brighten up a chicken dish. This technique works best with thinner flat cuts or meat sliced into cubes. Make sure there is fat, salt, enzymes, herbs and acid in good amounts. Try not to reuse a marinade but prepare fresh ones each time you want to grill or bake chicken.