The Best, Simple BBQ Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe: Your Guide to Flavorful Summer Grilling
Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable BBQ grilled chicken! This incredibly simple yet powerfully flavorful marinade recipe is designed to transform ordinary chicken into a juicy, tender, and irresistibly seasoned dish. Whether you’re planning a lively summer cookout, a cozy family dinner, or simply craving that perfect smoky char, this marinade is your secret weapon. It’s ideal for marinating wings, legs, thighs, or chicken breasts, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste. Plus, it’s versatile enough for baked chicken and even kid-friendly, making it a staple for any household. For those who love a bit of heat, feel free to drizzle your favorite spicy BBQ sauce after grilling.
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This post was originally published in April 2017 and has since been updated with enhanced content and grilling tips.
FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND EXPERT TIPS IN THIS BLOG POST.
The Origin Story of Our Signature Grilled Chicken Marinade
Every legendary recipe has a beginning, and for this exceptional grilled chicken marinade, it all traces back to my vibrant college days. Living off-campus, I was among the fortunate few who had access to an outdoor grill – a rare luxury that quickly made my place the go-to spot for impromptu gatherings and memorable cookouts. The first time I was guided through the intricacies of firing up a grill, a spark ignited within me. I wasn’t just going to be a casual griller; I was determined to master the craft, transforming simple ingredients into culinary delights. Chicken and burgers quickly became my canvases, and I spent countless hours experimenting, perfecting the art of flame-kissed perfection. It was during this period of passionate experimentation that the foundational elements of what would become this very marinade began to take shape, born from a desire to consistently deliver juicy, flavorful results every single time. The secret, I learned early on, wasn’t just about the grilling process itself, but about having an amazing marinade recipe that truly elevated the meat.
Why a Great Marinade is Your Grilling Secret Weapon
The difference between good grilled chicken and truly unforgettable grilled chicken often lies in the marinade. A well-crafted marinade does more than just add flavor; it works magic on the meat, tenderizing it and locking in moisture. This results in chicken that is not only delicious on the outside but also incredibly juicy and tender on the inside, preventing the dry, bland chicken that can sometimes be a grilling disappointment. My personal marinade, developed over years of testing and refinement, aims for this perfect balance. A key component to its success is the strategic use of seasonings, particularly from McCormick’s Grill Mates line, known for their robust flavor profiles specifically designed for grilling. I also typically marinate the chicken the night before I plan to grill, allowing the juices and spices ample time to thoroughly permeate the meat, usually in convenient sealable plastic bags. While this marinade can be used for a quick flavor boost when you’re short on time, marinating for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight, ensures optimal flavor penetration and tenderness that will impress everyone at your next cookout.
Table of Contents
How to Make Homemade Grilled Chicken Marinade
Creating this exceptional grilled chicken marinade at home is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few key ingredients to achieve maximum flavor. The process is straightforward, focusing on efficient seasoning and proper marination to prepare your chicken for the grill. Here’s how you’ll prepare it:
- Drizzle your chosen chicken cuts – whether it’s wings, drumsticks, or breasts – generously with low-sodium soy sauce and liquid smoke. These liquids form the foundation of our marinade, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly juicy while infusing it with a delightful smoky essence without needing a smoker.
- Next, season the chicken liberally with a blend of McCormick’s Grill Mates Chicken Seasoning and McCormick’s BBQ Seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper to your personal taste. These McCormick blends are fantastic for providing a consistent and robust flavor that stands up beautifully to grilling.
- Once seasoned, place the chicken in sealable plastic bags. Ensure the chicken is fully coated by gently massaging the marinade into the meat within the bag.
- For optimal flavor and tenderness, refrigerate the chicken and allow it to marinate overnight. This extended period allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in an unbeatable taste experience.
The Art of Marinating Chicken for BBQ: Achieving Juiciness and Flavor
The secret to succulent BBQ chicken lies not just in the spices, but in the liquid base of your marinade. I prefer to use a liquid component because it plays a crucial role in preventing the chicken from drying out during the high heat of grilling, guaranteeing a juicy result. In this specific recipe, low-sodium soy sauce serves a dual purpose: it acts as a tenderizer and moisture retainer, while also imparting a rich, savory depth of flavor that complements the smoky notes beautifully. It’s a foundational element that ensures your chicken stays moist from the inside out.
Beyond the liquid, the right combination of seasonings is absolutely paramount. My go-to choice is the McCormick’s Grill Mates line. Their extensive range offers virtually every seasoning profile you could desire to perfectly complement grilled meats. For this recipe, their Chicken Seasoning and BBQ Seasoning blends deliver a balanced mix of herbs, spices, and a hint of smokiness that makes this marinade truly stand out. They simplify the seasoning process, taking the guesswork out of achieving professional-level flavor right in your own kitchen. This combination ensures that whether you’re grilling wings, drumsticks, or breasts, your chicken will be incredibly flavorful and moist.
How Long Should You Marinate Chicken for Optimal Flavor and Safety?
Understanding the proper marination time is key to both food safety and achieving the best possible flavor for your grilled chicken. For raw chicken, you can safely marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While two days is the maximum safe limit, I generally find that an overnight marination – typically a little less than 24 hours – yields the most optimal results. This timeframe allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, tenderizing it effectively without compromising texture.
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have time for an overnight soak, you can marinate chicken for a minimum of 1 hour. Even a shorter marination period will impart some flavor, though the depth and tenderness won’t be as pronounced as with longer marination. Always remember to keep chicken in the refrigerator while marinating to prevent bacterial growth. For more in-depth information on best practices for marinating, you can explore reliable resources like How to Marinate Chicken.
Can You Over-Marinate Chicken? Understanding the Risks
While marination is crucial for flavor and tenderness, it’s important to know that you can indeed marinate chicken for too long. Over-marinating, especially with marinades that contain highly acidic ingredients, can cause the protein structure of the chicken to break down excessively, leading to a mushy or stringy texture rather than the desired tender result. Beyond texture, there’s also a food safety aspect. Chicken begins to become unsafe after marinating for more than 2 days in the refrigerator. After this period, bacteria can start to multiply to unsafe levels, even in cold temperatures. Therefore, always adhere to the 48-hour maximum marination guideline for raw chicken to ensure both the quality and safety of your meal.
Marinating Cooked vs. Raw Chicken: A Clear Distinction
It’s a common question, but the simple answer is no, it doesn’t make sense to marinate cooked chicken. The fundamental purpose of marinating is to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat while it is in its raw state. Raw meat fibers are porous and can absorb the marinade’s liquids, acids, oils, and seasonings, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply and break down tough tissues. Once chicken is cooked, its protein structure changes; the fibers tighten, and the meat can no longer effectively absorb the marinade. Attempting to marinate cooked chicken will only result in a superficial coating of flavor, rather than the deep infusion and juiciness that marinating raw chicken provides. For best results, always marinate your chicken before cooking.
Mastering Your Gas Grill: Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken
Grilling chicken on a gas grill is a fantastic way to achieve that smoky, charred flavor and tender interior. Here’s a detailed approach to ensure your marinated chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- Preheat with Purpose: Begin by preheating your gas grill on High for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. This step is crucial for reaching the optimal cooking temperature and ensuring the grill grates are hot enough to create beautiful sear marks and prevent sticking.
- Adjust for Consistent Cooking: Once adequately preheated, adjust the grill temperature to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, maintaining a medium-high heat. This temperature provides a good balance for cooking chicken through without burning the exterior.
- Grill and Flip for Evenness: Place your marinated chicken directly on the hot grates. Grill the chicken for approximately 10 minutes in total, flipping it halfway through to ensure even cooking and charring on both sides. Depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces (breasts will take longer than wings or drumsticks), cooking times may vary. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Prevent Sticking: Before placing chicken, lightly oil the grates with a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or grapeseed oil) using a paper towel held by tongs. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Achieve Perfect Grill Marks: For those coveted grill marks, place the chicken on the grates, let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, then rotate it 45 degrees to create crosshatch marks before flipping to the other side.
- Manage Flare-Ups: Chicken fat can cause flare-ups. If they occur, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill momentarily until the flames subside.
For additional expert advice and techniques on achieving grilling perfection, you can read more about How to Grill Chicken on a Gas Grill from renowned sources.
Enhancing Flavor with BBQ Sauce: To Marinate or Not to Marinate?
A common question arises: can you marinate chicken directly in BBQ sauce? The answer is absolutely! While you certainly can, I typically choose not to include BBQ sauce directly in my initial marination blend. My preference is to treat BBQ sauce as an optional addition, applied either towards the end of the grilling process or served on the side. This approach offers several advantages. Firstly, many BBQ sauces contain high sugar content, which can burn quickly on a hot grill, leading to a charred exterior before the chicken is fully cooked through. By adding it later, you get that sticky, caramelized glaze without the risk of burning. Secondly, offering BBQ sauce as an optional condiment allows individuals to customize their chicken to their taste preferences, which is especially convenient when serving a large group with diverse palates. It ensures that everyone can enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of the marinade, with or without an extra layer of sweet and tangy BBQ goodness.
Basting Grilled Chicken: The Secret to Moisture and Shine
Basting is a simple yet effective technique that can significantly elevate your grilled chicken, adding an extra layer of flavor and ensuring the meat remains incredibly moist. While the marinade does much of the heavy lifting, a final basting during the grilling process locks in juices and contributes to a beautiful, glossy finish. For this recipe, I recommend basting the chicken with melted unsalted butter towards the end of the cooking time. The melted butter creates a rich, savory coating that crisps up slightly on the grill, enhancing both flavor and texture. When basting, ensure your grill is maintained at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing the butter to melt and coat the chicken without causing excessive flare-ups or burning. This final touch is what gives the chicken its irresistible golden-brown hue and makes it truly shine.
Crafting the Ideal Marinade for Grilled Chicken Legs (and other cuts!)
While this marinade works wonderfully for all chicken cuts, let’s talk specifically about grilled chicken legs and what makes an ideal marinade for them. The best marinades for any cut of chicken, including drumsticks, are typically a thoughtful combination of three key elements: acidity, fat, and sweetness. Each component plays a vital role in tenderizing, flavoring, and browning the meat.
- Acidity: Our low-sodium soy sauce contributes a mild acidity, which helps to break down the surface proteins of the chicken, allowing for deeper flavor penetration and tenderization. Other acidic components could include citrus juices (lemon, lime), vinegar, or even yogurt.
- Fat: Fat, in the form of oil in the marinade or butter added after cooking, is crucial for moisture retention and carrying fat-soluble flavors. It also helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill and promotes even browning. In this recipe, the liquid base helps here, and the unsalted butter basted after grilling provides a rich, fatty finish.
- Sweetness: Sweetness, often derived from sugars, honey, or even the natural sugars in certain seasonings and herbs, helps in caramelization, giving the chicken a beautiful, appetizing char and a balanced flavor profile. The McCormick’s BBQ seasoning often contains some sweet elements that contribute to this.
This marinade strikes a perfect balance of these elements, making it ideal for chicken legs that benefit from deep flavor infusion and tender cooking on the bone. The result is consistently juicy, flavorful, and perfectly grilled chicken, no matter the cut.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your BBQ Grilled Chicken
This BBQ grilled chicken is so versatile, it pairs beautifully with an array of side dishes, making it the star of any meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue or a more formal dinner, these complementary dishes will round out your culinary experience. You can easily elevate your meal by pairing the chicken with other grilled favorites like Grilled Steaks or even a slow-cooked brisket. Imagine a platter with this flavorful chicken alongside perfectly seared steak – a carnivore’s dream!
To inspire your meal planning, check out my steak marinade recipe and other delicious side dishes to complete your feast:
Related Recipes for a Complete Meal:
Spicy Low-Carb Steak Lettuce WrapsSheet Pan Steak and Veggies
Here are a few other popular side dishes that are perfect for serving alongside your grilled chicken:
- Southern Style Soul Food Homestyle Baked Mac and Cheese
- Southern Style Green Beans
- Air Fryer Ribs
- Air Fryer Fries
- Instant Pot Ribs
- Instant Pot Potato Salad
- Crack Mashed Potatoes
The Best, Simple BBQ Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe
Brandi Crawford
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- Low-sodium soy sauce (Use enough to coat the chicken, preventing it from drying out. A few tablespoons should suffice for a nice coating)
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons McCormick’s Montreal Chicken Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons McCormick’s BBQ Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (omit if dairy-free, for basting after grilling)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your chicken. Drizzle the liquid smoke and low-sodium soy sauce evenly over all the chicken pieces.
- Place the chicken into sturdy, sealable plastic bags. Add both McCormick’s Montreal Chicken Seasoning and McCormick’s BBQ Seasoning, along with salt and pepper, to the bag. Seal the bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible, then gently shake and massage the bags to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grates. Grill for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, flipping a few times to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Cooking time will vary based on your grill’s heat and the thickness of the chicken cuts. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is grilling, melt the unsalted butter in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until fully liquid.
- Once the chicken is almost cooked through, use a cooking brush to generously coat each piece with the melted butter. This step adds a wonderful richness and helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Continue grilling for another minute or two after basting, allowing the butter to crisp up. Remove the chicken from the grill and serve immediately to enjoy its juicy, flavorful goodness!
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 17g
Nutrition Data Disclaimer
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.