This roast chicken marinade is a delicious and easy way to prepare chicken. When you marinate whole chicken, you can add flavor and moisture to the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful roast chicken. There are many different marinade recipes out there, each with its own unique blend of herbs, spices, and other ingredients. This is the best roasted chicken marinade; try it and see why!
Marinating a whole chicken is a simple process that involves soaking the meat in a mixture of liquids and seasonings for a period of time before cooking. The marinade can be made with a variety of ingredients, including vinegar, lemon juice, soy sauce, herbs, and spices. The chicken is then roasted in the oven until it is cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
Whether you prefer a classic herb and garlic marinade or something more adventurous, like a spicy chili and lime marinade, there's a recipe out there for everyone. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can create a delicious marinade for roast chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, why not give it a try and see how easy and delicious marinated whole chicken can be?
Jump to:
- 🍗 Roast Chicken Marinade Ingredients
- 🐔 How to Marinate a Whole Chicken
- ⏰ How Long to Marinate Roast Chicken
- ➕ Roasted Marinated Chicken Recipe
- 🥗 What to Serve with Marinated Roast Chicken
- 🌡️ Whole Chicken Marinade Leftovers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Disclaimer…
- 📖 Recipe
- 💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
- 💬 Comments
🍗 Roast Chicken Marinade Ingredients
What to put in a marinade for chicken? Marinade is the key to making a delicious and juicy roast chicken. A good marinade not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken.
Here are the ingredients you need in order to marinade whole chicken:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar (helps with getting you a golden brown, crispy skin)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried ginger
- Black pepper, to taste
And of course, if you want to marinate a whole chicken, you also need one whole chicken. I used a 6 lb chicken (2.7 kg) chicken here.
What are 3 common ingredients in a marinade?
What is the basic marinade formula? The best marinade for whole chicken will contain the following simple ingredients:
1. Acid - An acid like lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, or wine helps to break down the protein in the chicken and make it tender. It also adds a tangy flavor to the chicken.
2. Oil – Why do you put oil in marinade? Oil like olive oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil helps to keep the chicken moist and juicy. It also helps the marinade to stick to the chicken.
3. Seasonings - Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion, paprika, cumin, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano are commonly used to season the marinade. These ingredients add flavor and aroma to the chicken.
Other ingredients that can be added to the marinade include honey, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients add depth of flavor and can give the chicken a sweet or savory taste.
It is important to note that the ratio of the ingredients in the marinade can vary depending on personal preference. Some people like a tangy and acidic marinade, while others prefer a sweeter marinade. It's best to experiment with different ingredients and ratios to find the perfect marinade for your taste.
🐔 How to Marinate a Whole Chicken
Marinating a whole chicken is an excellent way to infuse flavor into the meat, resulting in a juicy and flavorful roast chicken. Here are the step-by-step directions for how to marinate roast chicken:
1. Make the marinade for whole chicken roast. To make the marinade, whisk together all of the ingredients except for the chicken. Prepare the chicken by removing the giblets and placing it in a large bowl.
2. Marinate whole chicken for roasting. Once the marinade is prepared, add the whole chicken to a large mixing bowl. Brush the chicken all over with the marinade, including the insides of the chicken cavity. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator. (Note: you can also use a big food-safe resealable plastic bag for marinating whole chicken overnight, if it will fit.)
Should you poke holes in chicken to marinate?
Poking holes in the chicken can help the marinade penetrate the meat more deeply, but it is not necessary. If you do choose to poke holes, be sure to do so gently to avoid tearing the meat. I never do this.
⏰ How Long to Marinate Roast Chicken
I like to start this recipe in the morning and marinate the chicken for 8-12 hours. Flip the chicken over in the marinade occasionally if there’s time.
The length of time you marinate your chicken depends on the flavor you want to achieve. Generally, marinating a whole chicken for at least 4 hours will infuse some flavor, but for a more intense flavor, marinate it overnight.
Can you over marinate chicken?
Yes, you can marinate a whole chicken for too long. Be careful not to marinate the chicken for longer than 24-48 hours as it can become mushy in texture (USDA).
➕ Roasted Marinated Chicken Recipe
Now that you know how to marinate a whole chicken, it’s time to roast it! Roasting chicken is a classic and delicious way to enjoy this popular protein. Here's a simple and easy recipe for marinated roast chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218C).
- Lift your chicken from the marinade and place it breast side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Do not reuse the leftover marinade! Tuck the wings underneath the bird so they don’t burn.
- (optional) Stuff the cavity of the chicken with fresh thyme, other fresh herbs like rosemary, and an onion cut into ⅛s. There’s no need to truss the legs of the chicken. Though the legs are more likely to split if left untied, you’ll get more even browning and crispy skin if you skip the kitchen twine.
- Place the pan with the prepared chicken on a rack about ½ way down in the oven.
- Check on the chicken after about 30 minutes cooking time, and wrap the legs in foil if they’re getting too brown. There’s no need to baste it.
- The minimum safe internal temperature for chicken is 165F (74C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken for doneness. A 4 lb chicken (1.8kg) takes about 50 minutes, while a 6 lb chicken (2.7kg) takes 70-75 minutes. (Learn how to spatchcock chicken if you want to save time.)
- Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy!
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your liking, or add other ingredients such as honey, mustard, or hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
🥗 What to Serve with Marinated Roast Chicken
Roast chicken with a simple roast chicken marinade is a classic dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside your marinated roast chicken:
- Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables: Roast some vegetables in the same oven as the chicken for a simple and delicious side dish. Try carrots, potatoes, onions, and Brussels sprouts.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and classic side dish that goes well with roast chicken. Add some garlic or herbs to the mashed potatoes to complement the flavors in the marinade.
- Vegan Spinach Salad: A light and fresh green salad can balance out the richness of the roast chicken. Try a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
- Microwaving Vegetables: Microwave or grilled vegetables are other super side dishes for roasted chicken. Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers are all great options.
- Costco Cauliflower Rice: Serve the marinated roast chicken with a side of rice to soak up the delicious flavors. Try jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or brown rice for a healthy option.
When it comes to pairing sides with marinated roast chicken, the possibilities are endless. Consider the flavors in the marinade and choose sides that complement those flavors.
🌡️ Whole Chicken Marinade Leftovers
Leftovers of this chicken marinade for roasting should be discarded. Since we soaked raw chicken in the marinade, it likely contains bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Delicious roast chicken dinner leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Leftover chicken also freezes well. Here are some ideas for using leftover roast chicken that has been marinated with a whole chicken marinade.
1. Chicken Salad: Chop up the leftover chicken and mix it with some mayonnaise, celery, and onions to create a tasty chicken salad. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, or use it as a sandwich filling.
2. Chicken Tacos: Shred the leftover chicken and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with some salsa, avocado, and cheese for a delicious and easy meal.
3. Chicken Soup: Use the leftover chicken bones and carcass to make a flavorful chicken broth. Add some vegetables and noodles to create a hearty chicken soup.
4. Chicken Fried Rice: Use the leftover chicken to make a quick and easy fried rice. Simply sauté some vegetables and rice in a pan, add some soy sauce and scrambled eggs, and top with the chopped chicken.
5. Chicken Quesadillas: Use the leftover chicken as a filling for quesadillas. Simply place some chicken and cheese between two tortillas and cook in a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
With these ideas, you can turn your leftover roast chicken into new and exciting meals that your family will love. Don't let those leftovers go to waste!
Frequently Asked Questions
It is always best to marinate chicken in the fridge to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Marinating at room temperature can lead to foodborne illnesses.
It is generally safe to bake chicken in its marinade, but it may not result in the best texture or flavor. The marinade may burn or become too thick during cooking. It is best to remove the chicken from the marinade before baking.
Yes, you can season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking, even if it has been marinated. This may help to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
A marinade with an acidic ingredient, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can help to tenderize chicken breast. Adding a small amount of sugar can also help to balance the acidity and add flavor.
To ensure roast chicken is moist, try cooking it upside down for the first 30 minutes. This will help to keep the breast meat moist and tender. Basting the chicken with its own juices or broth can also help to keep it moist during cooking.
It is not necessary to cover the chicken when roasting, but doing so can help to keep it moist. If you choose to cover the chicken, be sure to remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to crisp up.
👩🏻🍳 Other Roast Chicken Marinades
What are some other marinades for roast chicken? If you're looking for something different than the classic buttermilk marinade, try one of these flavorful roast chicken marinade ideas:
- Spicy Roast Chicken Marinade: This tempting recipe from Jamie Oliver is your answer to how to make roast chicken marinade with Indian flavors.
- Lemon and Herb: Mix together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley) for a bright and fresh marinade.
- Balsamic and Honey: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and olive oil for a tangy and sweet marinade.
- Soy and Ginger: Combine soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, honey, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired marinade.
- Pakistani Roast Chicken Marinade Recipe: Here’s a Pakistani-style recipe for roasted chicken thighs with spices such as garam masala. Yum!
No matter which marinade you choose, be sure to let the chicken marinate for at least a few hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Some also recommend bringing the chicken to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
Marinating a whole chicken is a simple way to add flavor and juiciness to your roast. With a little preparation and patience, you can create a delicious and flavorful meal that your family and friends will love.
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The Disclaimer…
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be wildly inaccurate, so please don't sweat the numbers too much.
For more information on how the three recipe levels may help with a weight management goal, refer to my overnight oats no sugar post. Let's get cooking!
📖 Recipe
Roast Chicken Marinade (Marinate Whole Chicken)
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried ginger
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- To make the marinade, whisk together all of the ingredients except for the chicken. Prepare the chicken by removing the giblets and placing the chicken in a large bowl.
- Brush the chicken all over with the marinade, including the insides of the chicken cavity. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours. Flip the chicken over in the marinade occasionally if there’s time.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Lift the chicken from the marinade and place it breast side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Do not reuse the leftover marinade! Tuck the wings underneath the bird so they don’t burn.
- (optional) Stuff the cavity of the chicken with fresh thyme, other fresh herbs like rosemary, and an onion cut into ⅛s. There’s no need to truss the legs of the chicken.
- Place the pan with the prepared chicken on a rack about ½ way down in the oven. Check on the chicken after about 30 minutes cooking time, and wrap the legs in foil if they’re getting too brown. There’s no need to baste it.
- The minimum safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken for doneness. A 4 lb chicken (1.8kg) takes about 50 minutes, while a 6 lb chicken (2.7kg) takes 70-75 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). The nutrition information for this recipe depends on whether you choose chicken breasts or dark meat, your portion size, and whether you eat the skin. Most of the marinade is discarded in this recipe, and is not included in the nutrition info. Chicken is a great source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, bones, and other tissues in the body. It’s also a lean meat that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice. In addition, it’s rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, vitamin B12, niacin, and phosphorus. Roasted chicken is a classic crowd-pleaser and this sweet and salty marinade really turns up the flavor. Perfect for meal prep and Sunday dinner, you can’t go wrong with chicken! Nutrition information is for one 4 ounce serving (113g).Nutrition
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