This is just a great everyday Chicken Marinade, one you make with things you've already got with plenty of sub-options (see notes). It will make any cut of chicken extra juicy, infuse it with a savory flavor that's a touch of sweet, with a hint of herby goodness. Especially good for chicken breast!
Just a great Chicken Marinade
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 700 g 1.4 lb chicken breast tenderloins or thigh (Note 1)
- 2 tbs brown sugar
- 1 tbs olive oil (or any oil)
- 5 tbs soy sauce
- 2 tbs lemon juice
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp oregano dried or (or rosemary, thyme, minced herbs)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
Garnishes, for serving (optional)
- parsley finely chopped
- lemon slices
Instructions
- Recommended: Pound breast to even thickness using a meat pounder, rolling pin, or fist. OR cut large ones in half horizontally to form 2 cutlets (steaks) for each.
- Mix marinade in a ziplock bag (or container in which chicken fits snugly). Add chicken.
- Marinate 3 hours to overnight, though even 30 minutes is effective. (Note 2)
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook chicken per times below until deep golden (see video). If browning too quickly, lower heat.
- Transfer to serving plate, cover loosely with foil and rest for 3 minutes before serving, garnished with parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Cook times:
- Whole breast and boneless thighs: 3 - 4 minutes each side (internal temp 165F/75C)
- Cutlets and tenderloin - 2 minutes each side
Notes
Just a great Chicken Marinade
Recipe Notes:
1. Chicken - marinade will work for any cut of chicken though I mostly use skinless boneless cuts.
2. Quick Marinade 30 min to 1 hr - cut breasts in half horizontally to form 2 thin steaks. For whole thighs or breast, poke a few holes in each breast using a fork. For drumsticks, cut a couple of slashes with a knife.
3. Marinade subs:
- Brown sugar - sub 2 tbsp white sugar, 1.5 tbsp honey, maple syrup
- Soy - any normal, all-purpose soy or light soy good here, or tamari, mushroom soy sauce. If you have sweet soy or kecap manis, skip sugar. Dark soy sauce not recommended (label will say "dark soy).
- No soy? Dissolve 1 tsp salt in 4 tbsp water, then use in place of soy sauce.
- Lemon - sub with less sharp vinegars like cider vinegar, white wine or red wine vinegar, rice vinegar. Or 1.5 tbsp other vinegars (normal white vinegar, balsamic)
- Worcestershire - dollop of ketchup or BBQ sauce would be a decent sub there! Say 2 tbsp, then cut down sugar. HP Sauce, steak sauce or other savoury sauces also good.
- Garlic - 3/4 tsp dried garlic powder good here. Also 1/4 tsp onion powder would be nice too.
- Dried herbs - anything is the go here, go with what you like. Fresh won't really work here, too delicate unless doing a short marinade. Exception - fresh rosemary is terrific, 1 tsp finely chopped.
- Breast and boneless thighs - bake 18 minutes at 425F/220C oven, or internal temperature is 165F/75C, followed by quick grill/broil on high to brown
- Drumsticks, wings and bone in thighs - 50 minutes at 180C/350F, basting with juices once or twice