Best Barbecue Chicken Marinade Recipe for Grilling

Introduction

This barbecue chicken marinade is a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors that will transform your chicken into a flavorful masterpiece. Made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, this marinade works for any cut of chicken and pairs perfectly with the unique sear you get from the Arteflame grill.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk until the marinade is well combined and smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken (about 4-6 pieces of thighs, breasts, or drumsticks) in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

3. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

While the chicken marinates, prepare the Arteflame grill. Stack firewood over three oil-soaked paper napkins, light the napkins, and allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until it's ready to cook.

4. Grill the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the hot center grill grate to sear for 3-4 minutes per side, creating a flavorful crust. Move the chicken to the flat cooktop griddle to finish cooking for another 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Serve

Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra barbecue sauce, grilled vegetables, or any side of your choice.

Tips for the Perfect Barbecue Chicken Marinade

• Marinating Time: For the best flavor, aim to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
• Customizable Heat: If you like your barbecue chicken spicy, increase the cayenne pepper or add chili flakes to the marinade.
• Grill Monitoring: Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling to avoid burning the sugary marinade. Move it to the flat cooktop to control the heat better.

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Marinade: Add extra cayenne pepper and a tablespoon of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
2. Honey Mustard Marinade: Increase the amount of Dijon mustard and swap the brown sugar for honey for a sweet and tangy flavor.
3. Herb-Infused Marinade: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an earthy, fragrant marinade.
4. Citrus BBQ Marinade: Add orange or lime juice along with the lemon juice for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
5. Smoky Chipotle Marinade: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy twist.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Potato salad or coleslaw
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Grilled veggies (asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini)

Conclusion

This barbecue chicken marinade brings out the best flavors in your grilled chicken, balancing sweetness, tanginess, and a touch of smoke. Whether you're grilling thighs, breasts, or drumsticks on the Arteflame grill, this marinade will leave your chicken juicy and delicious.