Chicken is one of the most versatile and popular meats around the world. It’s a great source of protein, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit different tastes.
One of the most popular ways to cook chicken is by marinating it. A marinade is a mixture of ingredients that are used to add flavor and tenderize the meat. But can you marinate chicken in BBQ sauce?
The simple answer is yes, you can marinate chicken in BBQ sauce. In fact, it’s one of the most popular ways to prepare BBQ chicken. The sweet and tangy flavors of BBQ sauce are perfect for enhancing the natural flavor of chicken.
There are many different types of BBQ sauce available, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some are sweet, some are savory, and some are spicy. No matter which type you choose, you can use it to marinate your chicken.
Before you start marinating your chicken, there are a few things that you should keep in mind:
1. Choose the Right Cut:
Not all cuts of chicken work well with BBQ sauce marinades. Chicken breasts and thighs are ideal for BBQ marinades because they have enough fat to absorb the flavors without becoming dry.
2. Don’t Marinate Too Long:
Marinades can break down the proteins in meat if left too long, resulting in an unpleasant texture. It’s best to marinate chicken for no more than 24 hours.
3. Pierce The Meat:
To help the marinade penetrate into the meat better, pierce it with a fork or knife before placing it in the marinade.
Now that you know what to keep in mind when marinating your chicken let’s look at how to do it:
How To Marinate Chicken In BBQ Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pierce the chicken with a fork or knife to help the marinade penetrate into the meat better.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and toss it in the marinade until it’s well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight.
- When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken for about six minutes per side or until it’s cooked through.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
- Note: If you prefer baking your chicken instead of grilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about half an hour or until cooked through.
Now you know that marinating chicken in BBQ sauce is not only possible but also delicious! With these tips and recipe, you can enjoy juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken any day of the week.