This incredible roast chicken marinade recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare chicken. By marinating the whole chicken, you can infuse it with moisture and enhance its taste, resulting in a juicy and delicious roast chicken. With countless marinade recipes to choose from, each boasting its own unique blend of herbs, spices, and other ingredients, this particular recipe stands apart as the absolute best. Give it a try and discover why!
Roast Chicken Marinade Ingredients
Wondering what to put in a marinade for chicken? Well, look no further! A good marinade is the key to achieving a delectable and succulent roast chicken. Not only does it add flavor, but it also helps tenderize the meat. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to marinate a whole chicken:
- 2 minced cloves of garlic
- ½ cup of reduced sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup of brown sugar (to achieve a golden brown, crispy skin)
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon of dried ginger
- Black pepper, to taste
And of course, you’ll need one whole chicken. For this recipe, we used a 6 lb chicken (2.7 kg).
What are Three Common Ingredients in a Marinade?
The best marinade for a whole chicken consists of three simple ingredients:
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Acid – Lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, or wine act as acids to break down the chicken’s proteins, resulting in tender meat. They also add a tangy flavor to the chicken.
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Oil – Olive oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil help keep the chicken moist and juicy. They also assist the marinade in adhering to the chicken.
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Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion, paprika, cumin, and aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano are commonly used to season the marinade. These ingredients impart flavor and aroma to the chicken.
Additional ingredients such as honey, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce can also be incorporated for added depth of flavor. Adjusting the ratio of these ingredients allows you to personalize the marinade according to your taste preferences. Some may prefer a tangy and acidic marinade, while others may opt for a sweeter variation. The secret is to experiment and find the perfect marinade that suits your palate.
How to Marinate a Whole Chicken
Marinating a whole chicken is a fantastic way to infuse flavor into the meat, resulting in a moist and well-seasoned roast chicken. Follow these step-by-step instructions to marinate your chicken:
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Make the marinade for the whole chicken roast. Whisk together all the marinade ingredients except for the chicken. Prepare the chicken by removing the giblets and placing it in a large bowl.
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Marinate the whole chicken for roasting. Once the marinade is prepared, add the whole chicken to a large mixing bowl. Brush the chicken with the marinade, ensuring to coat both the exterior and the interior of the chicken cavity. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator. If possible, flip the chicken in the marinade occasionally for even distribution of flavors. You may also use a big food-safe resealable plastic bag to marinate the whole chicken overnight.
Should You Poke Holes in Chicken to Marinate?
Although poking holes in the chicken can help the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively, it is not necessary. However, if you choose to do so, be gentle to avoid tearing the meat. Personally, I find that poking holes is unnecessary and I skip this step altogether.
How Long to Marinate Roast Chicken
For the best results, marinate the chicken for 8-12 hours. Ideally, begin the marinating process in the morning to allow sufficient time for the flavors to infuse the meat. If possible, flip the chicken occasionally in the marinade. Marinating the whole chicken for at least 4 hours will impart some flavor, but for a more intense taste experience, marinate it overnight.
Can You Over Marinate Chicken?
Yes, it is possible to over marinate a whole chicken. Avoid marinating the chicken for longer than 24-48 hours, as it may result in a mushy texture (USDA). Ensuring a proper balance is essential for achieving the desired flavors.
Roasted Marinated Chicken Recipe
Now that you know how to marinate a whole chicken, let’s get to the roasting part! Roasting chicken is a classic and delightful way to savor this beloved protein. Here’s a simple and easy recipe for marinated roast chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218C).
- Lift the chicken from the marinade and place it breast side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Do not reuse the leftover marinade! Tuck the wings underneath the bird to prevent them from burning.
- (Optional) Stuff the chicken cavity with fresh thyme, rosemary, and a quartered onion. You need not truss the chicken legs. While untying the legs may cause them to split, it will ensure more even browning and crispier skin.
- Place the prepared chicken on a rack positioned halfway down in the oven.
- Check on the chicken after approximately 30 minutes of cooking time. If the legs are becoming too brown, wrap them in foil. Basting is unnecessary.
- The minimum safe internal temperature for chicken is 165F (74C). Utilize an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. A 4 lb chicken (1.8kg) typically takes about 50 minutes, while a 6 lb chicken (2.7kg) requires 70-75 minutes. If you want to save time, learn how to spatchcock chicken.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy!
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Adjust the quantity of herbs and spices or incorporate other ingredients like honey, mustard, or hot sauce to achieve a different flavor profile.
What to Serve with Marinated Roast Chicken
A delicious roast chicken marinated with a simple roast chicken marinade pairs exceptionally well with an array of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables: Roast some vegetables alongside the chicken for a simple and delightful side dish. Try carrots, potatoes, onions, and Brussels sprouts.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish that complements roast chicken impeccably. Add garlic or herbs to the mashed potatoes to harmonize with the flavors of the marinade.
- Vegan Spinach Salad: A light and refreshing green salad balances the richness of the roast chicken. Consider a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
- Microwaved or Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers make fantastic side dishes for roasted chicken. Microwave or grill them to perfection.
- Costco Cauliflower Rice: Accompany your marinated roast chicken with a side of rice to absorb the delectable flavors. Experiment with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or brown rice for a healthy alternative.
The options for pairing sides with marinated roast chicken are endless. Evaluate the flavors of the marinade and select sides that harmonize with those flavors.
Whole Chicken Marinade Leftovers
It is important to note that leftovers of this chicken marinade for roasting should be discarded. Since raw chicken is soaked in the marinade, it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
However, if you have any leftover roast chicken from dinner, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze leftover roast chicken for later use. Here are some ideas for utilizing leftover roast chicken marinated with a whole chicken marinade:
- Chicken Salad: Chop up the leftover chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, and onions to create a delicious chicken salad. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or use it as a sandwich filling.
- Chicken Tacos: Shred the leftover chicken and use it as a filling for flavorful tacos. Top with salsa, avocado, and cheese for a quick and delectable meal.
- Chicken Soup: Make a flavorful chicken broth using the leftover chicken bones and carcass. Add vegetables and noodles to create a hearty chicken soup.
- Chicken Fried Rice: Utilize the leftover chicken to whip up a quick and easy fried rice dish. Sauté vegetables, rice, and scrambled eggs in a pan, then top with chopped chicken and soy sauce.
- Chicken Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with leftover chicken and cheese to create tantalizing quesadillas. Cook them in a pan until the cheese melts, and the tortillas turn crispy.
With these ideas, you can transform leftover roast chicken into exciting new meals that your family will adore. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some alternative marinades for roast chicken?
If you’re seeking something different from the classic buttermilk marinade, explore these flavorful roast chicken marinade ideas:
- Spicy Roast Chicken Marinade: Indulge in Jamie Oliver’s tempting recipe featuring Indian flavors.
- Lemon and Herb: Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley) for a vibrant and fresh marinade.
- Balsamic and Honey: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil to create a tangy and sweet marinade.
- Soy and Ginger: Mix soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, honey, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired marinade.
- Pakistani Roast Chicken Marinade Recipe: Discover a Pakistani-style recipe for roasted chicken thighs, featuring spices like garam masala.
Regardless of which marinade you choose, be sure to allow the chicken to marinate for several hours or even overnight to enable the flavors to permeate the meat. Some even suggest bringing the chicken to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
Marinating a whole chicken is a simple method for infusing flavor and juiciness into your roast. With a bit of preparation and patience, you can create a delightful and flavorsome meal that will be adored by your friends and family.
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The Disclaimer…
All recipes on this website may or may not be suitable for you, depending on your specific medical needs and personal preferences. If you require assistance in determining the dietary pattern that best suits you, consult with a registered dietitian or your physician.
The nutrition information provided is an estimate offered as a courtesy. It may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used. Calorie information on food labels can be wildly inaccurate, so don’t fret too much about the numbers.
For further information on how the three recipe levels can aid in achieving a weight management goal, refer to our overnight oats no sugar post. So let’s get cooking!