Chicken is one of my favorite proteins for easy meals—it’s versatile, quick to cook, and always a crowd-pleaser. The secret to making it truly delicious often lies in the marinade. Today, I’m sharing five simple chicken marinades that are perfect anytime of the year, using just a handful of core spices: peppercorns, curry powder, cumin, coriander, and paprika. With these basic spices, you can whip up a variety of flavorful marinades that keep your spice shelf simplified—and make juicy, tasty chicken that kids and adults alike will love.
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Common Ingredients in These Marinades
These easy marinades use several key ingredients to enhance taste and tenderness:
- Oil: Adds richness and ensures even distribution of the marinade.
- Acid: Lemon juice and yogurt tenderize the meat and amplify the flavors.
- Aromatics: Garlic and ginger provide robust, distinctive flavors.
- Herbs and Spices: Offer depth, aroma, and complexity.
- Sweetener: Honey balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness.
Recipe 1: Lemon Garlic Marinade
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 4 cloves grated garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground peppercorn
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Recipe 2: Greek Yogurt Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves grated garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground peppercorn
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Recipe 3: Indian Tandoori Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves grated garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Recipe 4: Honey Curry Peppercorn Marinade
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves grated garlic
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns, crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
Recipe 5: Vietnamese Garlic Lemongrass Marinade
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves grated garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon peppercorn, crushed
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions for All Marinades
- In a bowl, combine and blend all ingredients until well mixed.
- Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a richer flavor.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and discard any excess. Grill, bake, or sauté until fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For grilling or baking, cook at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 45 minutes.
Notes
- These recipes are ideal for marinating a whole chicken, chicken thighs, chicken legs or chicken breasts, up to 3 pounds.
- If you have kids or cannot handle spicy food, you can skip the cayenne pepper and replace the crushed peppercorn with ½ teaspoon of ground peppercorn for a milder flavor.
Leave a Comment
Which marinade are you excited to try? We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative tweaks you’ve made to these recipes. Got a favorite marinade of your own? Drop it in the comments below!
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