Barbecue Chicken Marinade

Prep: 240 min Cuisine: American

Tangy, sweet, and savory barbecue chicken marinade with pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger, perfect for grilling flavorful chicken for summer cookouts or family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup dry sherry
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 can crushed pineapple
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken legs with all the ingredients in a shallow dish for 3 to 4 hours.
  2. Stir occasionally with the marinade.
  3. Grill the chicken on barbecue until cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you don't have dry sherry, you can substitute with white wine or apple juice. Adjust the brown sugar to your taste; if you prefer less sweetness, reduce it slightly. Adding a pinch of chili flakes can give your marinade a spicy kick. This marinade also works well for pork or tofu, making it versatile for different protein options.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the grilled barbecue chicken with a side of coleslaw or cornbread for a classic summer meal. It pairs beautifully with Mashed Potato Stuffing Casserole for a hearty dinner. For a refreshing touch, consider a simple garden salad or steamed vegetables. Don’t forget a drizzle of your favorite barbecue sauce for extra flavor!

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, grill on medium heat until warmed through, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Chicken Marinade contains roughly 758 calories, with 4g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2392mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).

758 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.4g 9% DV
Total Fat 34.3g 44% DV
Carbs 112.3g 41% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 98.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2391.6mg 100% DV
Potassium 307.4mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.3mcg
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 110.4mg 8% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Contains Soy

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 this marinade for other meats?

Yes, this barbecue marinade is versatile and can be used for pork or even tofu. Just adjust the marinating time based on the protein; for instance, tofu requires less time, about 30 minutes to 1 hour, to absorb the flavors.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for 3 to 4 hours. If you have more time, marinating overnight will enhance the flavor even further. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours, as the acidity can affect the texture.

What should I serve with barbecue chicken?

Barbecue chicken is great with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread. You could also serve it with Cream Of Carrot And Tomato Soup for a unique pairing that balances the meal with a refreshing soup option.

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).

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