How to Marinate a Chicken

Marinades are an easy way to add extra flavour to your chicken, but a good marinade will help prevent the meat from drying out.

Making a chicken marinade at home is fast and simple. Marinades are usually 2 parts oil to 1 part acid (something like wine, lemon juice or vinegar), and some salt. Add to this mixture any herbs or flavouring you like—we like using thyme, rosemary and garlic.

Get started with this basic formula for a delicious chicken marinade, then try experimenting with your own combination of flavours!

What you’ll need:

• 1 large freezer bag
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup of wine, lemon juice or vinegar
• 2 cups oil
• thyme and rosemary (dried)
• 1 clove garlic (smashed)
• salt and pepper

First, pour your oil and wine/lemon juice/vinegar into a large bowl. Add a sprinkling of dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic, and some salt and pepper. The salt is the most important part, as it creates a chemical reaction with the other ingredients that tenderizes the meat. Stir everything together using a fork or a whisk.

Place the chicken breasts in a large freezer bag, then carefully pour the marinade into the bag and tightly seal the top.

Place the bag in the refrigerator and let your chicken marinate anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, which is really as long as you should go with marinades. You can also freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 2 months.

As always, be sure to properly wash up after handling raw chicken. Use soapy water with a cap of bleach to clean countertops and utensils, and make sure to wash your hands well.

See more chicken marinade recipes, and be inspired to infuse your next chicken meal with new flavour!