How to marinate chicken

Chicken is a household staple ingredient when it comes to dinnertime, so if you’re looking for ways to make your favourite chicken dish tastier or just ideas to switch up your regular dinner recipe, then read on.

Why marinate chicken?

Marinating helps to tenderise chicken, as it acts as a barrier during the cooking process and helps prevent it from drying out. Marinades also add a flavoursome coating around the chicken, whether that’s chicken breast, thigh or leg. Marinating is an easy way to add extra flavour to your recipe, but the flavours of a successful marinade should be well-balanced with depths of acidity and even seasoning.

Marination time for chicken

The longer, the better when it comes to marinating chicken. Simply cover the chicken completely in your chosen marinade and leave it in the fridge.

For ease, marinate your chicken the night before. That way, it will be ready to cook when you come home, making it a quick recipe to prepare. Leaving your chicken to marinate overnight will help save time and strengthen the flavour.

Chicken marinade flavours

The best chicken marinades are those that complement the chicken and create an overarching flavour profile that you can build a meal around. For instance, this Honey and Soy Chicken recipe will pair perfectly with Asian slaw and sesame fries.

Chicken spices of the world

This HelloFresh Chermoula Yoghurt Chicken & Roast Veggie Couscous recipe offers deep, rich, chargrilled flavours of Marrakesh. The longer you leave this marinade to soak into the chicken, the more intense the flavours will be.

Create your own fakeaway with this HelloFresh Hoisin-Glazed Chicken & Soy Mayo recipe, and enjoy the bold flavours of Chinese cuisine created in your own kitchen.

Classic chicken marinades

Pan-fried Lemon Chicken is a classic flavour pairing. It has the perfect amount of acidity and doesn’t overpower the mildness of the chicken. Try some variations of the classic marinade, like this Garlicky Chicken & Basil Pesto Couscous or an Italian-Style Chicken & Creamy Pesto Sauce.

For more delicious chicken recipes, browse the HelloFresh menu and order easy-to-follow recipes and fresh ingredients, delivered straight to your door.