Chicken Marinade or Baste for Grilled or Baked Chicken
Overview
This delicious chicken marinade is perfect for marinating chicken legs, breasts, or thighs, and it works wonders as a baste for wings during your summer BBQ. The rich, flavorful marinade adheres beautifully to the chicken, giving it a mouthwatering taste that your guests will love. The bonus? You can use the leftover marinade to baste the chicken as it grills or bakes, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The marinade is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice when you’re short on time but want something delicious.
If you’re looking to make this recipe diabetic-friendly, it can easily be modified with agave nectar instead of honey or maple syrup, as Chef Jessica noted in her review. This also makes the marinade a great choice for anyone managing their sugar intake. You can even freeze the marinade for later use, making it a convenient option for meal prepping. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a weekend BBQ with family and friends.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes (excluding marinade time)
Total Time: 50 minutes (excluding marinade time)
Marinade Time: 2-3 hours (or longer, depending on preference)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grainy mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Pure maple syrup | 4 tbsp |
| Curry powder | 3 tsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Ground black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Allspice | 1 tsp |
| Chicken thighs | 8 pieces |
| Chicken wings | 8 pieces |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 251.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 78.8 mg |
| Sodium | 138.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 11.7 g |
| Protein | 19.3 g |
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure all the ingredients into a shallow pie dish or a large mixing bowl. |
| 2 | Mix all ingredients together thoroughly, ensuring that the mustard, syrup, and spices are well incorporated. The marinade should have a thick consistency but not be as thick as a paste, nor too runny. |
| 3 | Add the chicken pieces to the dish, turning them to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. The marinade should adhere nicely to the chicken. |
| 4 | Cover the dish and refrigerate the marinated chicken for 2 to 3 hours, or even longer for a deeper flavor. Turn and coat the chicken a few times during the marinating process for even coverage. |
| 5 | When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking, or prepare your grill for cooking. |
| 6 | If baking, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and cut of the chicken you’re using. If grilling, cook the chicken over medium heat, basting with the marinade periodically. |
| 7 | As the chicken cooks, use any leftover marinade to baste the chicken. Be sure to cook the marinade thoroughly after it has touched raw chicken. This will ensure it’s safe to use as a baste during cooking. |
| 8 | Once cooked, serve the chicken with a side of your favorite veggies or a fresh salad. Have plenty of paper napkins or finger bowls on hand, as the sauce can be a bit messy when eating with your fingers. |
| 9 | Enjoy the rich, tangy flavor of the chicken, perfectly complemented by the bold curry, mustard, and spice mix! |
Tips & Variations
- Make it diabetic-friendly: Replace maple syrup with agave nectar to reduce the sugar content, making it a great option for those watching their glucose levels.
- Freezing option: This marinade freezes beautifully. Simply prepare it, place it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze until you’re ready to use it. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.
- BBQ twist: For a smoky flavor, add a little bit of smoked paprika to the marinade, and grill the chicken over charcoal for that authentic BBQ taste.
- Baste frequently: If you’re grilling the chicken, baste it frequently with the leftover marinade to ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.
This Chicken Marinade or Baste is the ideal way to infuse your chicken with layers of flavor. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or using it as a sauce for wings at your next BBQ, this marinade will quickly become a go-to recipe for any chicken dish. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to suit any occasion.
