Zesty Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken
Elevate your grilling game with this Zesty Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken! The combination of tangy lemon juice, rich melted butter, and your favorite beer creates a mouthwatering marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy winter nights, this indoor grill recipe will have your taste buds dancing. Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 4-6 hours beforehand to allow the flavors to permeate deeply, resulting in juicy and tender chicken. Enjoy it with a side of grilled vegetables or over a fresh salad for a delightful meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts or cut-up chicken parts
8 (skinless and boneless (if using breasts) or cut into serving pieces if using parts)
butter
1/3 cup (melted)
lemon juice
1 1/2 cups (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
beer
1 can (any lager or ale of your choice)
garlic salt or fresh garlic
1 teaspoon or 2-3 cloves (minced if using fresh garlic)
lemon pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, beer, lemon juice, minced garlic (or garlic salt), and lemon pepper. Whisk until well blended.
2
Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for 4-6 hours (ideally overnight for stronger flavor).
3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drain off. Discard the used marinade.
4
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remember to brush additional marinade over the chicken as it grills for added flavor.
5
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your zesty beer-brined grilled chicken!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken?
Zesty Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken is a flavorful dish where chicken is marinated in a blend of beer, lemon juice, melted butter, garlic, and lemon pepper before being grilled.
What kind of beer works best for the marinade?
Any lager or ale of your choice works well for this recipe to infuse the chicken with rich flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 4-6 hours, though overnight is ideal for the strongest flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or any cut-up chicken parts like thighs or drumsticks.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
It typically takes about 15-20 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
Can this recipe be made on an indoor grill?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for both outdoor summer barbecues and indoor grilling during winter.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best tangy flavor.
Can I use garlic salt instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can use either 1 teaspoon of garlic salt or 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic.
Is it safe to reuse the marinade?
No, you should always discard the used marinade after removing the raw chicken to ensure food safety.
Should I brush the chicken with marinade while it's on the grill?
Yes, brushing additional marinade over the chicken as it grills adds extra layers of flavor.
How do I ensure the chicken remains juicy?
Marinating for at least 4-6 hours and allowing the meat to rest after grilling helps keep it juicy and tender.
Can I marinate the chicken for more than 24 hours?
It is best not to exceed 24 hours as the acid in the lemon juice can start to break down the meat's texture too much.
What are good side dishes for this chicken?
Grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad are excellent accompaniments to this zesty meal.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, non-alcoholic beer can be used and will still provide a similar flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is gluten-free only if you use a certified gluten-free beer and ensure your lemon pepper is gluten-free.
How many pieces of chicken does this recipe cover?
This recipe is designed for 8 chicken breasts or an equivalent amount of cut-up chicken parts.
What is the purpose of melted butter in the marinade?
The butter adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully on the grill.
Can I substitute lemon juice with lime juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used for a slightly different citrus flavor profile.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I bake this chicken if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What can I use if I don't have lemon pepper?
You can use a mix of black pepper and fresh lemon zest as a substitute for lemon pepper seasoning.
Do I need to mince the garlic?
Yes, if you are using fresh garlic cloves, they should be minced to distribute flavor evenly in the marinade.
Should the chicken be skinless and boneless?
You can use skinless and boneless breasts or skin-on, bone-in parts depending on your preference.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade bag for up to 3 months; it will marinate as it thaws.
Does the alcohol in the beer evaporate?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the grilling process, leaving behind the flavor.
How can I tell if the chicken is done without a thermometer?
While a thermometer is safest, the juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink in the center.
Why should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist.
Can I use a charcoal grill instead of gas?
Absolutely, a charcoal grill will add a nice smoky depth to the zesty flavor of the chicken.
Is this grilled chicken recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is zesty and savory rather than spicy, making it family-friendly.