A marinade is a liquid solution in which foods, typically meats, are soaked before cooking. A marinade flavours foods and tenderises them by starting the cooking breakdown process. Acidic elements such as vinegar, wine, or fruit juice can cause this activity, as can enzymatic components such as pineapple, papaya, guava, or ginger. The breakdown allows fluids and flavours to permeate the meat, allowing it to retain moisture and not dry out as rapidly while grilling. Because of the high, intense temps created by grills, marinades are especially vital and effective for grilling. While cooking, these can cause the production of hazardous chemicals on the surface. The use of an acidic marinade helps to reduce the production of these compounds. On the barbecue, meat like chicken breasts is more likely to dry out, so a marinade will help keep the moisture in.
Important tips to remember
• In the bag, combine the marinade. Your best friend when it comes to marinades is a gallon-sized, zip-top freezer bag, not only because it makes cleanup simpler but also because it helps the marinade adhere tightly to the chicken. Make the marinade right in the bag; don't dirty another basin.
• Chicken should be prepared for marinating. However, the best tip for grilling chicken breast is to slightly flatten it for more equal cooking. This marinade works great for all parts, whether they are breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Use a mallet to beat the breasts in a separate zip-top bag before adding them to the marinade.
• From an hour to a day, marinate. Although marinades can be beneficial after only an hour of soaking, an overnight soak (or freezing the marinade) makes the preparation labour seem less difficult.
• Before cooking, dry the chicken! Take the chicken out of the marinade and pat it dry before cooking. The marinade won't burn or cause flare-ups on the grill as a result of this.
How to cook marinated chicken?
Make sure the marinated chicken breast is cooked through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving, regardless of the method you use.
Pressure cooker
Place the chicken on trivets and use the sauté and manual high-pressure functions to cook marinated chicken in a pressure cooker. Place the chicken breasts and your preferred marinade in a slow cooker and set the timer for six to eight hours to combine marinating and cooking.
Oven
Roast marinated chicken in the oven for a quick weeknight meal. To brush on while cooking, keep a small amount of marinade aside from the chicken marinade.
Stovetop
Chicken should be pan-seared over medium-high heat until a golden-brown crust forms, then it should be covered and cooked on low heat for 10 minutes. The chicken should steam for another ten minutes or so after being taken off the heat to ensure complete cooking.
Air-fryer
To cook marinated chicken in an air fryer, place the chicken in a lightly greased fryer basket and let any extra marinade drip down. Cook chicken breasts in an air fryer for 20 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping once.
Grill
One of the most well-liked methods for preparing barbecued chicken that is equally soft, juicy, and crispy with char is grilling marinated chicken. A bottle of BBQ or teriyaki sauce by itself can make a tasty marinade: The sugars caramelise when they are exposed to the grill's intense heat, giving the meat's edges a tasty crust. Remember that any fresh herbs in the marinade will burn, so if you plan to grill, leave them out.
