BBQ chicken marinade
Fire up the grill and let the scent of summer take over! Our BBQ chicken marinade is here to make sure your chicken is anything but ordinary. It is sweet and tangy, with a little heat if you want it. Whether you are flipping skewers in the garden or grilling up a feast at a picnic, this marinade is ready to bring its signature flavour to your plate.
Ingredients
|
Tomato ketchup
|
100 ml |
|---|---|
|
Soy sauce
|
50 ml |
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Apple cider vinegar
|
50 ml |
|
Honey
|
50 ml |
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Concentrated tomato paste
|
2 tbsp |
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Ground ginger
|
1 tsp |
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Ground chillies, chilli paste, or smoked paprika to taste
|
Marinate longer for maximum taste
Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 2–4 hours, ideally overnight in the fridge. This gives the vinegar, honey, and spices time to infuse the meat and help tenderise it.
Reserve some marinade for basting
Set aside a small portion of the marinade before adding the chicken. This way, you can brush it on as the meat grills or roasts, helping to build up a delicious, caramelised crust and extra glaze.
FAQ: Questions about BBQ chicken marinade
Below are the most common questions answered so you can get the best results with this BBQ chicken marinade recipe.
How do I store BBQ chicken marinade?
Store the BBQ chicken marinade in an airtight container or a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good stir or shake before using it to make sure everything is well blended.
What is the best way to marinate chicken?
A food-safe plastic bag is one of the best options. It helps the marinade soak into the chicken more effectively, keeps clean-up easy, and works well for freezing. Place the chicken in the bag, press out excess air before sealing, and move it around so the marinade fully covers every piece. A shallow dish or bowl also works, especially for larger batches. Spread the chicken out in a single layer instead of stacking it, and turn it occasionally so every piece gets coated evenly.
What types of chicken can I use for this marinade?
This marinade adapts well to any type of chicken, whether bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless. It is especially good for chicken breasts, helping them stay juicy and full of flavour. Thighs, drumsticks, and tenders also absorb the marinade well, making them a brilliant choice too.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
99 Kcal
| Fibre | 4.2 gram fibers |
| Protein | 2.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 19.7 gram |
| Fat | 0.9 gram |
BBQ chicken marinade – simple and homemade
Ditch the store-bought bottles because our homemade BBQ marinade for chicken is the real deal! A quick stir, a bit of marinating time, and you are all set for a simple way to get that deep, smoky aroma filling the air.
Slather it on before grilling, baste more on as you go, and let the heat do its job. Whether you are firing up the barbecue for a weekend feast or tossing chicken in the oven on a busy night, this marinade keeps things easy and full-flavoured.
Well-balanced sweet, spicy, and savoury notes
This marinade brings a well-rounded balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury. Tomato ketchup and honey offer sweetness, while soy sauce and tomato paste add saltiness and savouriness. Ground chilli or chilli paste dials up the heat, and smoked paprika has its subtly spicy, smoky warmth. Together, they form the essence of what makes BBQ sauces so great.
Add as much or as little of each as you want, depending on what flavours you want to be more pronounced. After all, it is your homemade marinade in the making!
With a tangy and warm kick from ginger and vinegar
Apple cider vinegar gives the marinade a sharp character with its fruity tang, while ginger intensifies it with its peppery-sweet warmth. This duo cuts through the sweetness of the honey and the depth of the tomato paste, keeping the flavours alive and fresh.
Perfect for grilled or oven-roasted chicken
Bring this BBQ chicken marinade to the grill, and trust us, it will turn you into a barbecue legend! Warm summer evenings call for a feast that fills the air with the scent of smoky, caramelised glaze, coating the chicken until it is sticky and charred.
Just imagine juicy chicken straight off the flames, corn on the cob glistening with butter, creamy potato salad, and colourful vegetable skewers. Now, that is a meal from the grill everyone can enjoy.
Or perhaps it is one of those cosy nights when the grill stays cold, and you get the oven working instead. The marinade clings to the chicken, turning it glossy and irresistibly juicy as it roasts. Serve it up with buttery mash, roasted vegetables, or a kale salad for that comforting, home-cooked feast that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Add your own favourite ingredients
Take this BBQ chicken marinade for a little spin by swapping in your favourite ingredients. While we use apple cider vinegar for its fruity tang, balsamic vinegar takes things in a deeper, slightly sweeter direction, and rice vinegar keeps it light and mellow. Or skip the vinegar completely and use lemon juice instead for its refreshing citrus tang.
Looking for something bolder? Worcestershire sauce has its signature savoury depth, while mustard stirs in a sharp punch with a bit of heat in the background. For those who prefer a touch more sweetness, maple syrup brings a smooth, caramel-like note.
Smokiness can go even further. Chipotle paste throws in an earthy heat, while liquid smoke leans into that straight-off-the-grill aroma. And for a little extra umami, miso paste or fish sauce are both fantastic options.
