It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
Beer Barbecue Marinade For Chicken
- add review
- #82813
Beer and barbecue just go together, whether the beer's in your hand or in your chicken marinade. The best part is that the flavor of the beer makes a big difference, so the marinade will change as you discover new favorite brews.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
3 reviews
ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
6 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups beer
2 cups bottled barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
directions
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft.
Add the lemon juice, beer, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to simmer. Remove the skillet from the heat and let cool.
Once the marinade has cooled, use it to marinate chicken (or beef or pork) for 4-8 hours.
recipe tips
Try different types of beer to find your favorite for this marinade.
For a smokier flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke to the marinade.
Make extra marinade to use as a basting sauce while grilling.
If using wooden skewers for kebabs, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Add fresh herbs or spices to the marinade for additional flavor.
For even marinating, pierce the chicken all over with a fork before adding it to the marinade.
common recipe questions
What type of beer should I use for the marinade?
For the best results, choose a beer that you would enjoy drinking. Light lagers, amber ales, or stout beers can work well, depending on the intensity you desire.
What type of onion should I use in the marinade?
You can use whatever type of onion you prefer such as yellow, white, or sweet onions. Or use red onions or shallots for a slightly different flavor.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce, tamari, or a combination of vinegar, molasses, and spices for a similar umami flavor.
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 8 hours?
Marinating the chicken for longer than 8 hours can lead to the meat becoming too tender or mushy. Stick to the recommended marinating time for best results.
Can I use the marinade as a sauce after marinating the chicken?
It's not recommended to re-use the marinade as a sauce since it has been in contact with raw chicken. Instead, reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken (or make a second batch) to use as a finishing sauce.
How should I store leftover marinade?
Any unused marinade should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and discarded if it has come into contact with raw chicken.
Can this marinade be used for other meats?
This marinade works well with beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the marinating time based on the protein.
What can I do if the marinade is too thick?
If the marinade is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of beer, broth, or even water as needed.
Should I season the chicken before marinating?
You can lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper before marinating if desired but keep in mind that the marinade does have some salt and salty flavors in it already.
What chicken pieces can I use with this marinade?
Any you want! You can use bone-in or boneless, breasts, thighs, leg quarters, wings (or even a whole chicken if you wish).
tools needed
Skillet: For sauteing the onion and garlic, and simmering the marinade ingredients together.
Spoon (Wooden is best): Helpful for stirring the marinade ingredients while cooking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the salt, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, etc.
Lidded Container: To marinate the chicken, keeping it airtight to keep contaminants out. You can also use a large zip-top plastic bag.
Grill or Oven: For cooking the marinated chicken, whether you prefer grilling or baking it.
nutrition data
16 calories, 1 grams fat, 1 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium.
Make your mornings a little less hectic with these overnight breakfast recipes. Prep the night before and enjoy a warm, comforting meal in the morning.
Love buffalo wings? Get that same hot, zippy flavor in everything from deviled eggs to enchiladas. And of course: wings.
reviews & comments
October 13, 2013
You can make or break this bbq sauce by the kind of beer you use. USE GOOD BEER! Don't use light American beer (aka water) but don't use something too strong like Guinness either. Use something good and flavorful and full bodied. You'll have the best bbq sauce ever!
October 21, 2009
This marinade was great! Easy to make, one key point is to let the chicken sit in it as long as possible for the best taste. I have had it marinade for 8 hours!
September 23, 2008
This is one of the best chicken marinades I've ever had.