Soy-Marinated Chicken
Juicy soy-marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection, featuring savory, slightly tangy flavors from garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sherry, ideal for a flavorful summer cookout.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mince the garlic, ginger, parsley, and onion.
- Place the minced ingredients in a large plastic container.
- Stir in the soy sauce, chicken broth, sugar, vinegar, sherry, and ground white pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and turn to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate, turning once, for overnight or up to 24 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry.
- Place the chicken on a hot grill.
- Cover and cook, basting occasionally with the marinade, for approximately 30 minutes, turning occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken for a full 24 hours. If you don't have dry sherry, white wine or even apple juice can be used as a substitute. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference; you can use honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. For a twist, add some chili flakes for heat. This recipe can be adapted for other proteins too, such as pork or tofu.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grilled chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Zesty Lemon Chicken for a contrasting flavor experience. Consider adding a scoop of rice or quinoa to round out the meal, and drizzle some of the reserved marinade over the dish for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soy-marinated chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, or use the microwave in short intervals until heated through, ensuring it remains juicy. If you plan to freeze, do so before cooking and marinate it; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soy-Marinated Chicken contains roughly 478 calories, with 18g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2262mg per serving (98% 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 boneless chicken instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or tenders can be used instead. They will marinate just as well and can offer a juicier and more flavorful option compared to breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster than breasts.
Is it necessary to grill the chicken?
While grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor, you can also bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked. This method allows for easy cleanup and still yields juicy chicken.
What can I do with leftover marinade?
Leftover marinade can be simmered on the stove to create a flavorful sauce. Just bring it to a boil and cook for a few minutes to ensure it's safe to consume. This can be drizzled over the chicken or used as a dipping sauce.
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).