Best BBQ Chicken Marinade Recipe {How to Make BBQ Chicken with a Gourmet Marinade}

Name: BBQ Chicken with a Gourmet Marinade
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken breasts; 1 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; salt and pepper, to taste

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Homemade BBQ Chicken Marinade Recipes: Quick and Easy

My BBQ chicken with a gourmet marinade is one of the most delicious grilled chicken recipes you ever made!

➡️ Who doesn’t like a tasty BBQ chicken marinade? Summer is the premium time for grilling chicken, so my charcoal grill is fired up often and makes delicious food, and the chicken takes pride of place. When it comes to BBQ chicken, there are endless ways to prepare it, but this recipe takes things to the next level with a gourmet marinade that will make your taste buds sing. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is perfect for a backyard cookout or a family dinner.

➡️ Grilling is a quick and easy way to cook a whole chicken or any chicken cut. Actually, you can grill a chicken in just a couple of minutes. However, I suggest that you first prepare a tasty BBQ chicken marinade and let the bird rest for a few hours to enjoy all the wonderful flavors you have added.

➡️ The star of this recipe is the BBQ chicken marinade, which is a delicious combination of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. The balsamic vinegar adds a slightly tangy flavor, while the honey provides sweetness, and the Dijon mustard and garlic add depth and complexity. The smoked paprika and cayenne pepper add a touch of heat and smokiness that is sure to awaken your taste buds.

➡️ When it comes to serving, this BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside some grilled veggies or a fresh salad for a healthy and satisfying meal. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, serve it with some potato salad or mac and cheese for a classic BBQ feast.

➡️ BBQ chicken marinades are of many types and are full of flavors from all over the world. Because grilled chicken is so popular around the planet, there are plenty of marinades that reflect the gastronomic tradition of each country. Of course, I have my own grilled chicken marinade recipes, some of which are available below.

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How to Make Grilled Chicken with a Gourmet BBQ Chicken Marinade

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BBQ Chicken with a Gourmet Marinade

Nothing screams summer quite like a backyard BBQ with family and friends. And what's a BBQ without some perfectly grilled, tender, and juicy chicken? This BBQ chicken recipe takes things to the next level with a gourmet marinade that will make your taste buds sing.

The marinade is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper for a deliciously complex taste. The marinade not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and moist.

Preparation is simple and easy, and the chicken only requires a few minutes on the grill, making this dish perfect for any summertime gathering. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor, then grill for 6-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

This dish pairs perfectly with your favorite BBQ sides, such as corn on the cob, coleslaw, or grilled veggies. The sweet and savory flavor profile of the chicken is perfectly complemented by these sides, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

So, whether you're hosting a summer cookout, grilling up a quick weeknight dinner, or just looking for a delicious new chicken recipe to try, this BBQ chicken with a gourmet marinade is sure to be a hit.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories

Ingredients

4 bone-in chicken breasts
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 or up to 24 hours.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from the marinade and discard excess marinade. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the meat.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For an extra smoky flavor, add a few wood chips to the grill before cooking the chicken.
Brush the chicken with additional marinade while grilling for extra flavor and moisture.
Serve the chicken with your favorite BBQ sides, like coleslaw or corn on the cob, for a complete meal.

Keyword bbq chicken recipe, bbq chicken wings, grilled chicken recipe

Making BBQ Chicken Marinade at Home is a Breeze!

➡️ I simply love BBQ grilled chicken! It is easy to prepare and has a really delicious flavor, no matter the BBQ chicken marinade you have used. Plus, you can combine the grilled chicken with lots of veggie salads, BBQ sauces, dips, and side dishes.

➡️ When you think of barbecue, you probably think of sweet, smoky flavor. But this is not enough to prepare a perfectly flavored grilled chicken. You need to make a marinade that’s a little more complex, with a hint of spice and some tang. So, you can switch up your barbecue game and try something new, like a BBQ chicken marinade with more aroma compared to the one you make usually.

➡️ There are few things better than a barbecue cooked with fresh, tender chicken. The only problem is that most people don’t know where to start when it comes to making their own BBQ chicken marinade. Most people will grab a bottle of barbecue sauce, throw some meat on the grill and call it “marinated grilled chicken“. But there is so much more you can do with a chicken than just putting it on the grill and seasoning it with a few dashes of barbecue sauce!

➡️ The best way to prepare barbecue chicken is to use a good barbecue chicken marinade, but a really good one is hard to find outside of the traditional tomato-based variety. Most commercial barbecue sauces are unhealthy and contain high amounts of sugar and salt. So, you should make your own homemade BBQ chicken marinade! If you need additional info, read more on marination!

FAQs for BBQ Chicken

How can I make juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken?

To make juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken, start by marinating the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce or a combination of spices and marinade ingredients. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat. Cook the chicken slowly over indirect heat on the grill, basting it with additional BBQ sauce throughout the cooking process to enhance the flavor and moisture.

What are some popular BBQ sauce flavors for chicken?

There are various popular BBQ sauce flavors for chicken, including smoky hickory, tangy and sweet Kansas City-style, spicy chipotle, or mustard-based Carolina-style. Experiment with different sauces to find your preferred flavor profile.

What is the recommended internal temperature for BBQ chicken?

The recommended internal temperature for BBQ chicken is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches this safe temperature in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding contact with the bone.

How long should I grill BBQ chicken?

The grilling time for BBQ chicken depends on the cut and size of the chicken pieces, as well as the grill’s heat. As a general guideline, bone-in chicken pieces may take around 25-35 minutes, while boneless chicken breasts or thighs could take approximately 15-20 minutes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and always check the internal temperature for doneness.

Can I use BBQ sauce on grilled chicken besides grilling?

Absolutely! BBQ sauce can be used on grilled chicken in various ways. You can brush the sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling to create a caramelized glaze. Alternatively, you can marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce beforehand or use it as a dipping sauce on the side when serving the grilled chicken. Get creative and enjoy the smoky and tangy flavors of BBQ sauce on your chicken.