Ah, BBQ chicken—the quintessential summer delight that somehow manages to transport you to a backyard gathering even in the dead of winter. There’s something about the smoky, tangy allure of a well-crafted marinade that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. (Remember that viral grilling video with the guy who couldn’t stop laughing?
Yeah, this marinade’s got that kind of infectious joy. ) Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just someone who loves a good cookout, this recipe promises to make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, chopped garlic, and ground black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the brown sugar has completely dissolved into the mixture.
- Use a fork to pierce up to 4 pounds of chicken pieces all over, which helps the marinade penetrate the meat. Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, or leave it overnight for better flavor absorption. Cook the marinated chicken as desired.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 1302 | Total Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 7420mg | Total Carbohydrate: 126g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 112g | Protein: 14g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 252mg | Iron: 0mg | Potassium: 1204mg
FAQ
- Can I marinate the chicken for less than 2 hours?
- Yes, you can marinate the chicken for a shorter time. Some users have shared that marinating for as little as 20 minutes still resulted in juicy and flavorful chicken. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- What can I use as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
- If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can leave it out or use a combination of soy sauce and a dash of vinegar for a similar flavor profile. Some users have also experimented with sautéed garlic and onion in place of Worcestershire sauce with great results.
- Is the marinade recipe suitable for fewer chicken pieces?
- The original recipe yields a large amount of marinade, which can be more than needed for fewer chicken pieces. It can easily be halved or quartered depending on the amount of chicken you are preparing.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the marinade?
- Absolutely, you can modify the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences. Some users found the original recipe too sweet and reduced the sugar with satisfactory outcomes.
- What if I don’t have sesame oil?
- If sesame oil is not available, you can omit it or substitute with another oil like canola or vegetable oil. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor profile of the marinade.
Tips
- For a less sweet marinade, consider reducing the brown sugar and sesame oil, as some users found the original recipe too sweet and the sesame oil overpowering.
- If you’re short on time, marinating the chicken for as little as 20 minutes still yields flavorful results, though longer marination is preferred for deeper flavor.
- Adjust the marinade quantity based on the amount of chicken you’re preparing. Halving or even quartering the recipe can be sufficient for smaller portions.
- If you or your family have specific taste preferences, don’t hesitate to modify the ingredients. For example, sautéing garlic with onion or substituting oils can create a unique flavor profile that suits your needs.
Equipment
- Whisk – For mixing the marinade ingredients together thoroughly.
- Large Bowl – To mix and marinate the chicken.
- Plastic Wrap – To cover the bowl while marinating in the refrigerator.
- Meat Fork – To pierce the chicken pieces all over before marinating.
