Barbecue Chicken Breasts In Marinade
Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breasts marinated in a tangy, aromatic blend of vinegar, herbs, and spices, perfect for casual dinners or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/4 c. rice vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. canola oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
- 1 tsp. Grey Poupon mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. finely minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. fresh rosemary ⓘ
- 1 small branch fresh rosemary ⓘ
- 1/2 c. white wine or flat beer ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine rice vinegar, canola oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, Grey Poupon mustard, minced garlic, minced onion, basil, rosemary, white wine or beer, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Place chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken breasts overnight. You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different tang. If you prefer a less oily marinade, reduce the canola oil slightly. For those avoiding alcohol, use chicken broth instead of white wine or beer. This marinade also works well with other proteins, such as pork or tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecue chicken breasts with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad, such as Hot Chicken And Rice Salad for a delightful contrast. For a heartier meal, pair with mashed potatoes or rice. This dish also complements well with a tangy coleslaw or corn on the cob, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or use a microwave for a quicker option, making sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Chicken Breasts In Marinade contains roughly 217 calories, with 23g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1354mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them completely before marinating. This ensures that the marinade penetrates the meat effectively, giving you the best flavor and texture. Thawing in the refrigerator overnight is the safest method.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 2 hours, but overnight is recommended. This allows the marinade to fully infuse into the chicken, enhancing its taste and tenderness. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes will provide a noticeable flavor boost.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grilling the marinated chicken breasts adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This method will give you delicious char marks and juicy meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).