# Savory and Sugary Chicken Marinade
This savory and sugary chicken marinade is a wonderful fusion of tastes that not only softens the chicken but also imbues it with a delicious flavor. Crafted with Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and lemon juice, this marinade is ideal for various cooking techniques, including grilling, baking, or sautéing.
## Flavor Profile
– **Sugary and Zesty:** The mix of brown sugar and lemon juice delivers a sugary and zesty taste that enhances the chicken.
– **Adjustable:** Feel free to modify the ingredients to suit your meal preferences or dietary requirements.
## Difficulty Level
– **Simple and Quick:** This marinade can be whipped up in just a few minutes using ingredients you probably already have available.
## Preparation Notes
– This recipe is ideal for marinating up to 2 lbs of chicken. Be sure to discard any leftover marinade after use to prevent contamination.
## Serving Suggestions
– The marinade performs exceptionally well on oven-baked, sautéed, or grilled chicken, making it adaptable for any meal.
## Ingredients
1. **Oil:** Opt for neutral oils like vegetable or avocado oil.
2. **Acid:** Red wine vinegar and lemon juice are crucial for tenderizing the meat. Alternatives include apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or balsamic vinegar, and lime juice can replace lemon juice.
3. **Sugary & Salty:** Brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce create a sweet and umami taste. Maple syrup or honey can serve as substitutes for brown sugar, and coconut aminos can replace soy sauce.
4. **Seasonings:** Italian seasoning and garlic powder are important, but feel free to add red pepper flakes for some spice. Lemon zest can lift the flavor.
5. **Variations:** For a glaze-like texture, incorporate BBQ sauce, chili sauce, or teriyaki sauce into the marinade.
## Tips for Marinating
– Use a plastic or glass bowl, baking dish, or zippered bag for marinating. Avoid metal containers, as they can react with the marinade.
– Discard any used marinade to avert bacterial contamination.
– Limit marinating time to a maximum of 6 hours to prevent over-tenderizing the chicken.
– For additional flavor, brush leftover marinade over the chicken while grilling.
– Grill marinated chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, roughly 7-8 minutes per side. Allow the chicken to rest before serving.
## Storing Leftovers
– Store any unused marinade in a jar with a secure lid in the refrigerator for up to one week. Alternatively, freeze it in ice cube trays for easy use later.
– Marinated chicken pieces can be frozen in zippered bags for up to one month. Thaw before grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
## Conclusion
This savory and sugary chicken marinade is a marvelous way to enhance your chicken meals. With its straightforward preparation and adjustable ingredients, it’s destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Have fun experimenting with various flavors and serving it alongside your preferred sides!