Mouth-Watering Chicken Marinade Recipe – Deliciously Juicy!
Finger-Licking Chicken Marinade Recipe
Are you looking for a chicken recipe that will leave your taste buds wanting more? Look no further than this finger-licking-good chicken marinade recipe! In this recipe, we’ll be combining the classic flavors of thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce with some unexpected ingredients like Miracle Whip and lemon juice to create a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
I’ve been making this marinade for years and every time I serve it to guests, they can’t get enough. Whether you’re serving up chicken wings at your next party or just looking to switch up your weekly dinner rotation, this is a recipe you won’t want to miss.
So grab your apron and get ready to marinate some chicken! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for the perfect chicken marinade recipe to spice up your next dinner party or family gathering? Look no further than this finger-licking chicken marinade recipe.
What makes this recipe so special? For one, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients – including thyme, pepper, salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Miracle Whip – you can transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece. And the best part? The marinade is versatile enough to be used on everything from chicken wings to fried chicken, making it the ultimate go-to for all your poultry needs.
But perhaps what really sets this recipe apart is its unique combination of flavors. The tangy zing of the lemon juice and vinegar perfectly complements the savory notes of the Worcestershire sauce and thyme. And thanks to the addition of Miracle Whip – the secret ingredient that’s been passed down through generations of home chefs – this marinade has a creamy richness that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with delight.
But don’t just take our word for it. Give this chicken marinade recipe a try at your next get-together and watch as your guests rave about how finger-licking good their chicken tastes. Whether you’re grilling up some BBQ chicken or baking a batch of chicken fingers, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So what are you waiting for? Get marinating and enjoy the delicious results!
Ingredient List
Before diving straight into how to prepare the finger-licking chicken marinade, let me walk you through the list of ingredients I used for this recipe.
The Essential Ingredients
- Chicken – You can either use chicken wings or any other part of the bird. Just make sure it’s bone-in and skin-on.
- Miracle Whip – This ingredient is the main component of our marinade. You can either go for regular Miracle Whip or Miracle Whip light depending on your preference.
- Vinegar – For this recipe, I used white vinegar. It is what gives our marinade a tangy flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Worcestershire sauce adds umami to our marinade. Its savory taste is one of the key elements that makes this chicken recipe finger licking good!
- Lemon Juice – Lemon Juice adds a bright, acidic taste that pairs well with the tanginess of vinegar and the savory taste of Worcestershire sauce.
The Supporting Cast
- Oil – Vegetable oil or olive oil can be used to coat the chicken for frying or grilling.
- Salt, Pepper and Thyme – These spices give our marinade depth and complexity, and help bring out the flavors in the other ingredients.
Don’t fret if you don’t have all these ingredients! There are many substitutions and variations possible, which we’ll talk about later on. But for now, let’s head on to the fun part – preparing our finger-licking chicken marinade.
The Recipe How-To
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to start marinating the chicken. Follow these simple steps to make the Finger-Licking Chicken Marinade Recipe:
Step 1: Mix the marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of Miracle Whip, 2 cups of vegetable oil and 2 cups of vinegar. Then, add in 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 finger’s worth of fresh thyme leaves. Whisk again until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Add the chicken
Prepare the chicken by either trimming excess fat off the pieces or making small cuts to allow marinade to penetrate the meat better. Place your desired quantity of chicken and coat each piece well with the marinade. Make sure to cover all surfaces for even flavoring.
Step 3: Marinate chicken
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. The longer you marinate for, the more flavorful and succulent your chicken will be.
Step 4: Cook
Remove chicken from marinade and shake off any excess marinade before cooking. Bake, grill or fry as per your preference until fully cooked through.
And voilà! You now have a deliciously tasty batch of finger lickin’ chicken that will excite your guests’ taste buds!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this finger-licking chicken marinade recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try out:
– Soy sauce: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce is a great substitute. It will add a savory umami flavor to the marinade.
– Brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness, you can add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the marinade. Maple syrup or honey are also good choices.
– Hot sauce: If you like your chicken with some heat, add a few drops of hot sauce to the marinade. Sriracha or Tabasco are popular options.
– Fresh ginger: To give the marinade a zesty kick, finely grate some fresh ginger and stir it in. This works well in Asian-inspired dishes.
– Lemon pepper: If you want to simplify the ingredient list, you can use lemon pepper seasoning instead of separate salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Just sprinkle 1 teaspoon over the chicken before marinating.
– Garlic: Add minced garlic to give the marinade a pungent and savory flavor that pairs well with grilled or baked chicken.
– Vegetable oil: Not a fan of olive oil? You can use any neutral-tasting oil such as vegetable or canola oil.
– Light Miracle Whip: If you want to cut down on calories and fat, use Light Miracle Whip instead of the regular variety. It’ll still provide that tangy zing that makes this marinade so addictive.
Whether you’re making BBQ chicken wings or honey soy chicken thighs, these variations will help you create a unique and delicious dish that your guests will love.
Serving and Pairing
Once your finger-licking chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s important to think about what to serve it with. This marinade’s zesty burst of flavor complements a wide range of sides, making it the perfect main course for any event. Here are some serving and pairing suggestions:
– Potatoes: Whether you prefer roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary or fluffy mashed potatoes, both would make an excellent side dish to this finger-licking chicken. The traditional potato salad could also do the trick and be a crowd favorite.
– Grilled vegetables: Corn on the cob, grilled asparagus or bell peppers work wonderfully alongside chicken. Perfect for outside barbecues or a fresh summer lunch.
– Salad: Any well-dressed salad with mixed greens will contrast beautifully with the flavors of this marinade. Consider something like balsamic vinaigrette or caesar dressing.
– Bread: Garlic bread, toast or buns slightly toasted on the grill make perfect addition to any dinner table.
– Wine: This finger-licking chicken could pair deliciously with white wines like Chardonnay, Vermentino and even dry Riesling. For those that like something reds blend of pinot noir and beaujolais would do the trick.
Remember that when planning a menu plan know how the dishes can complement each other, not overshadow each other in respect to taste and intensity. Take advantage of the flavors from the chicken marinade and select complementary food items that will dazzle your guests and turn any event into an unforgettable occasion!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this finger-licking chicken marinade recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy a stress-free party. To make the most of the marinade, it’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours or even better, overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to fully develop.
If you’re short on time or want to prepare the marinade in advance, just mix all the ingredients for the marinade (except for the chicken) in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid up to 2 days in advance. Be sure to store the mixture in the fridge and give it a good shake before using it.
Once you’ve cooked your finger licking chicken, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. The cooked chicken will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months if stored in the freezer.
When it’s time to reheat your leftover chicken, there are a few options available. You could use an oven or toaster oven, reheating at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again. Alternatively, you could use a microwave by placing it on a microwave-safe plate and heating it on high for 1-2 minutes.
Keep in mind that while reheating may bring back some texture and flavor, overcooking will dry out your chicken which nobody wants! So be sure to keep an eye on your reheating process and take your chicken out at just the right moment when it looks golden brown again.
Overall, this finger-licking chicken marinade recipe is easy to make-ahead of time and delicious to reheat later – providing great leftovers for any next day meal!
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving finger-licking results when marinating chicken is easier than you think. Below are some tips that will help you get that tasty and juicy bursting flavor you crave in every bite.
Firstly, make sure to check the expiration date of all ingredients before you start. Using old ingredients can affect the taste and texture of your marinade.
Secondly, don’t over-marinate your chicken; it can result in mushy meat or an overly tangy taste. The perfect time frame to marinate chicken is between 2 to 12 hours; any more than that may cause the chicken meat to break down.
Thirdly, be patient and let the marinade work its magic on the chicken. Plan ahead so that you have enough time for the marinade to soak well into the meat before cooking.
Fourthly, when grilling or baking your chicken, brush it with vegetable oil or olive oil to prevent sticking and burning. It also helps add a crispy texture to your chicken.
Fifthly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken. The USDA recommends that poultry should be cooked at 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Sixthly, if you’re grilling or baking large drumsticks or wings, it’s better to cook them at a lower temperature first and then finish off with high heat for a few minutes to get that extra crispy coating.
Seventhly, for best results, allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, making it more juicy and tender.
Last but not least, Experiment! Don’t be afraid to try different herbs and spices like fresh ginger, hot sauce or brown sugar instead of thyme or pepper when making your marinade.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this finger-licking chicken marinade recipe is a must-try for any home chef who loves throwing parties. The recipe is not only easy and straightforward but also provides countless opportunities for customization and experimentation. With ingredients like thyme, pepper, salt, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and Miracle Whip, you can be sure to achieve finger-licking results that will have your guests licking their fingers in satisfaction.
Whether you prefer fried chicken wings or baked chicken breast, this marinade recipe will make your chicken come alive with flavor. You can also pair it with your favorite sides, sauces or beverages to create a complete meal that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Besides its delicious taste and versatility, this recipe is also perfect for make-ahead, storing and reheating purposes. With proper storage techniques and reheating methods, you can enjoy this delicious chicken dish for days after the party.
In conclusion, don’t just take our word for it. Try out this finger-licking chicken marinade recipe today and see for yourself! We guarantee that it’s going to be the hit of the party!
Finger-Licking Chicken Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup oil
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Miracle Whip or 2 tablespoons Miracle Whip light
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Use to marinate chicken pieces at least 30 minutes and then to baste the meat as it cooks in the oven or over hot coals.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!