Zesty Citrus and Garlic Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this Zesty Citrus and Garlic Chicken Marinade! Originating from a beloved family recipe, this marinade brings a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors from cider vinegar, lime, and lemon, perfectly balanced with the spicy kick of whole grain mustard and aromatic garlic. Marinating the chicken not only infuses it with flavor but also helps ensure a juicy and tender texture. Although it cooks quickly, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming any dinner into an occasion. Ideal for grilling, broiling, or even baking, it's a perfect choice for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Prepare this marinade, let the chicken soak up those incredible flavors, and savor every bite!
6
Servings
240
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cider Vinegar
1/4 cup
Whole Grain Mustard
3 tablespoons
Garlic
3 cloves (peeled and minced)
Lime
1 (juiced)
Lemon
1/2 (juiced)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Olive Oil
6 tablespoons
Ground Black Pepper
to taste
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
6
Instructions
1
In a large non-reactive bowl, combine the cider vinegar, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, lime juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
2
Gradually whisk in the olive oil and season generously with ground black pepper to taste until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
3
Add the chicken breast halves into the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate the marinating chicken for at least 8 hours or preferably overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
5
About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken from the refrigerator to let it warm up slightly, allowing for a more even cooking process.
6
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or broiler pan to prevent sticking.
7
Discard the marinade and place the chicken on the grill or broiler. Cook for approximately 10 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a juicy, tender texture.
8
Remove the chicken from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
13.5
Fat
19.5
Carbs
18.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor of the Zesty Citrus and Garlic Chicken Marinade?
The marinade features a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors from cider vinegar, lime, and lemon, balanced with a spicy kick from whole grain mustard and aromatic garlic.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For maximum flavor infusion, it is recommended to refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight.
What type of mustard is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of whole grain mustard to provide a unique texture and a spicy kick.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, while the recipe specifies 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, you can substitute them with chicken thighs, though cooking times may vary.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked and juicy.
How should I prepare the garlic for the marinade?
You should use 3 cloves of garlic that have been peeled and minced.
Is it necessary to let the chicken sit at room temperature before cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow for more even heat distribution.
Can I reuse the marinade after the chicken has soaked in it?
No, you should always discard the marinade once the chicken is removed for cooking to prevent cross-contamination.
What cooking methods are suitable for this recipe?
This chicken is ideal for grilling, broiling, or even baking in the oven.
What are the nutritional macros for this dish?
Per serving, the dish contains 13.5g of fat, 19.5g of carbohydrates, and 18.5g of protein.
Does the marinade contain any sugar?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of brown sugar to provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
What type of citrus is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses the juice of one whole lime and half a lemon.
How long does the chicken need to cook on the grill?
On medium-high heat, the chicken typically takes about 10 minutes per side.
Why is olive oil included in the marinade?
Olive oil is whisked in to help emulsify the marinade and ensure the chicken remains tender and moist during cooking.
Should I salt the chicken separately?
The marinade already includes 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, but you can season with ground black pepper to taste during the emulsification process.
Can I prepare the marinade in a metal bowl?
It is best to use a non-reactive bowl (like glass or plastic) because the acidic citrus and vinegar can react with certain metals.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
With 18.5g of protein and 240 calories per serving, it is often tagged as a healthy dinner option.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Do I need to rest the chicken after it finishes cooking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removal from heat helps the juices redistribute.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of Cider Vinegar.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
You should lightly oil the grill grates or the broiler pan before placing the chicken on it.
Can I use this marinade for a larger crowd?
Yes, the recipe is easily scalable; it is naturally a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings.
Does this recipe have a high fiber content?
No, the fiber content for this chicken recipe is negligible.
What is the best way to store the chicken while marinating?
You can cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable plastic bag.
How is the marinade mixed?
Whisk the vinegar, mustard, garlic, juices, sugar, and salt first, then gradually whisk in the olive oil until smooth.
Is the recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the whole grain mustard and black pepper, but it is generally balanced by the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
While fresh is preferred for the 'zesty' flavor, bottled lemon and lime juice can be used in a pinch.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include chicken marinade, citrus chicken, grilled chicken, family recipe, and easy chicken recipe.