In the realm of backyard grilling, chicken reigns supreme. But to unlock the succulent, flavorful potential of your poultry, it all comes down to the marinade. While homemade marinades have their merits, store-bought options offer convenience and a wide array of options to suit every palate.
The Importance of Marinating Chicken
Marinating chicken before grilling imparts a myriad of benefits:
- Tenderizes: The acids in the marinade break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender and succulent.
- Infuses Flavor: Marinating allows the flavors from the marinade to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful dish.
- Protects from Drying Out: The liquids in the marinade help to keep the chicken moist during grilling, preventing it from becoming dry and tough.
- Promotes Even Cooking: The marinade helps to evenly distribute heat throughout the chicken, ensuring that it cooks consistently.
How to Choose the Best Store-Bought Chicken Marinade
When selecting a store-bought chicken marinade, consider the following factors:
- Flavor Profile: Do you prefer bold and spicy, tangy and citrusy, or sweet and smoky flavors? Choose a marinade that aligns with your taste preferences.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredient list carefully for any preservatives, additives, or MSG that you may want to avoid.
- Viscosity: The thickness of the marinade can affect how well it penetrates the chicken. Thinner marinades may be better suited for shorter marinating times.
- Price: Store-bought chicken marinades vary in price, so compare options to find one that fits your budget.
Top 5 Store-Bought Chicken Marinades
After rigorous testing and user reviews, the following five store-bought chicken marinades emerged as the best in their respective categories:
| Category | Product | Flavor Profile | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Best | Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Seasoning & Olive Oil | Savory, herbaceous | Medium |
| Best for Bold Flavor | Stubb’s Original BBQ Sauce | Sweet, tangy, smoky | Thick |
| Best for Citrus Flavor | Primal Kitchen Lemon Herb Marinade | Zesty, herbal | Medium |
| Best for Smoked Flavor | McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Marinade | Sweet, smoky, spicy | Medium |
| Best for Value | French’s Classic Yellow Mustard | Tangy, acidic | Thin |
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Marinating chicken for too long can actually make it tough and rubbery.
- Use a Non-Reactive Container: Avoid marinating chicken in metal bowls, as the acids can react with the metal. Instead, use glass, ceramic, or plastic containers.
- Refrigerate: Always refrigerate marinating chicken to prevent bacterial growth.
- Discard the Marinade: After marinating, discard the marinade and do not reuse it. It may contain bacteria that have come off the chicken.
- Shake or Stir: Occasionally shake or stir the marinating chicken to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Pat Dry: Before grilling, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. This will help prevent splattering and flare-ups.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Marinating Long Enough: Give the chicken sufficient time to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
- Overcrowding the Container: Do not overcrowd the chicken in the marinating container. The chicken should be submerged in the marinade, but not packed tightly.
- Marinating at Room Temperature: Always refrigerate marinating chicken to prevent spoilage.
- Using an Acidic Marinade for Too Long: Acids, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can break down the proteins in the chicken too quickly, making it tough.
- Grilling the Chicken with the Marinade On: Remove any excess marinade from the chicken before grilling. Leaving the marinade on can cause flare-ups and burn the chicken.
Conclusion
Elevate your grilled chicken game with the best store-bought chicken marinades. From bold and spicy to tangy and citrusy, there’s a marinade to suit every taste. By following these tips and tricks, you can create succulent, flavorful dishes that will impress your family and friends. So fire up the grill and let the marinating magic begin!
