Grill Like a Pro: 6 Must-Know Tips for Quick and Delicious Marinated Chicken

 Grilling marinated chicken can be a delightful experience, combining the smoky flavors of the barbecue with the rich taste of a well-seasoned marinade. If you're looking to add more flavor and color to your grilled meal, try adding some lemon juice or olive oil to give it that extra oomph. Here are six tips for grilling the perfect marinated chicken.

Grill Your Meat Like You Mean It When Using Rubs And Garlic

The first step in any grill is ensuring all of the meat on the bone is cooked through, otherwise marinating will not work. This means you'll need to ensure the skin is completely charred before putting on the rub or marinade. To do this, put an egg on top of the meat with a brush or spatula on each side and then lay down on the wood, pressing down gently in a downward motion. After the skin has been completely charred, use tongs to flip over the breasts. Then sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper and continue seasoning as needed. Once finished, transfer the breasts to the rack. Make sure the other pieces are covered and cook until they reach 160 degrees F.

Marinate In Plenty Of Water Or Soil Before Cooking

One thing many people forget when making a marinade is to let the chicken sit a few days before cooking it. The reason? Because water will seep into the marinaded meat and ruin its flavor. Try rubbing the outside of the chicken with raw garlic and lemon juice before putting it in the marinade. This way, the lemons and garlic will soak up the juices while the other ingredients absorb them. Another option is placing the chicken in a plastic bag or container and refrigerating it overnight (or longer) to help soften it up.

Cooking With Dried Fruit On Top Is Great

Dried fruit such as apples and pears can easily be used as garnish. Simply cut off the ends from either end without removing the seeds and place a scoop of the chopped apple or pear on one side of the meat while holding it at an angle. Add a little bit of butter or another drizzle of oil if desired, and finish with a touch of salt. Next time around, sprinkle the dried fruit on the other side of the meat, too.

Use An Old Charcoal Smoker As Well

This might seem like common sense, but there are times when charcoal is just what's required. Put out some coals and char the bottom of the chicken before cooking it. Place it in the smoker and allow it to smoke until the chicken reaches desired internal temperature. Don't forget about the rest of the food! After that, remove the chicken and serve it over lettuce or vegetables. Alternatively, make a sauce by mixing the juices from the leftovers with the remaining marinade and seasonings, then spoon it over the whole salad.

Serve Over Rice

Grilled chicken makes a great dish on its own or with rice to round out the meal. Serve it over rice, or mix it with pasta or even mashed potatoes and veggies if you're feeling fancy. Lastly, feel free to swap out the marinade for something else entirely. Just remember to add enough fresh herbs to balance out the flavors.

Grill Your Chicken Outdoors

Grill chicken outdoors, as long as it doesn't get too hot or dry. To keep it cool, place it directly on the grill and cover up with foil if necessary. Keep it moving so it does not stick to the grill. Additionally, make sure to move the chicken frequently so it gets evenly cooked.

Conclusion:

Grilling marinated chicken is a delightful and rewarding culinary experience. By choosing the right cut, crafting a flavorful marinade, optimizing marinating time, preheating the grill, mastering the grill technique, and investing in a meat thermometer, you'll be well on your way to grilling chicken like a pro. Elevate your outdoor cooking game with these essential tips, and impress your friends and family with quick and delicious marinated chicken straight from the grill.