We will show you how to make the best grilled chicken ever with three easy marinade recipes. You can take your pick among these options! Here are the ingredients you will need for each marinade:
🔴 SWEET, SPICY & BEERY…
- Chicken (thighs)
- Fresh Ground Pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Kosher Salt
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic
- Honey
- Avocado Oil
- Beer (any kind will do)
- Chicken (thighs)
- Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
- Garlic
- Avocado Oil
- Sriracha
- Cilantro
- Lemon Juice
- Cumin
- Curry Powder
- Turmeric
- Chicken (thighs)
- Garlic
- Flat Leaf Parsley
- Fresh Oregano
- Jalapeno Pepper
- Lemon Juice
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Steps for Making Sweet, Spicy, and Beery Marinade
Prepping The Chicken
Before you begin making the marinade, it’s important to properly prep your chicken. Start by ensuring that your chicken thighs are trimmed and free of excess fat. This will help ensure even cooking and prevent flare-ups on the grill.
Making The Marinade
To make the sweet, spicy, and beery marinade, you’ll need a variety of spices and flavorings. In a bowl, combine crushed black pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. These spices will add a wonderful depth of flavor and a hint of heat to your marinade.
Next, add chopped yellow onion and a couple of cloves of minced garlic. These savory ingredients will add aromatic qualities to the marinade.
To balance out the spice, add a generous amount of honey. The sweetness of the honey will complement the flavors of the spices and create a delicious contrast.
To bind all the ingredients together and add a rich and smooth texture, pour in some avocado oil. This oil not only enhances the flavor of the marinade but also helps to coat the chicken evenly.
Finally, for the boozy element, add about half a bottle of beer of your choice. The beer will add a unique character to the marinade and help tenderize the chicken.
Mix all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring that the spices and honey are evenly distributed. The aroma of the spices and the tantalizing sweetness will make your marinade incredibly enticing.
Marinating The Chicken
Once your marinade is ready, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Place four chicken thighs in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly, pressing out any excess air, and use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the chicken for at least two to three hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it incredibly succulent and flavorful.
Grilling The Chicken
When you’re ready to grill the chicken, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure more even cooking and prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Carefully place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, presentation side down. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The chicken will develop a beautiful char and caramelization from the sugars in the marinade, creating a mouthwatering aroma.
Applying Finishing Touches
Once your chicken is grilled to perfection, it’s time to add some finishing touches. You can brush the chicken with some reserved marinade to intensify the flavors and add a glossy sheen to the dish.
You can also garnish the chicken with some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to add a burst of freshness. This will not only enhance the presentation but also add a layer of complexity to the flavors.
Sampling The Grilled Chicken
Finally, it’s time to taste the fruits of your labor. Take a moment to savor the aromas wafting from the juicy and flavorful chicken. Bite into a succulent piece and let the combination of sweet, spicy, and boozy flavors dance on your taste buds. The richness of the spices, the sweetness of the honey, and the depth of the beer will create a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Enjoy your grilled chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. The versatility of this marinade makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue or a special dinner with friends and family.
Easy Summer Grilling Recipes By Expert
