Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Marinated Chicken recipe is a juicy and flavorful recipe, which is made with soy sauce and Dijon mustard. It’s the perfect summer grilling recipe, ready in about an hour, plus marinating time.
Pioneer Woman Marinated Chicken Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 4 lb. bone-in chicken pieces, such as drumsticks, thighs, or leg quarters
- Oil, as needed for grilling
How To Make Pioneer Woman Marinated Chicken
- Make the Marinade: In a pint-sized mason jar or a small bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover the jar and shake well, or whisk in the bowl, until combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour all of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag (or cover the dish), and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
- Prep the Grill: Preheat one side of your grill to medium heat (around 350°F), leaving the other side unlit to create two heat zones. Clean and oil the grill grates well.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken skin-side down on the hot (lit) side of the grill. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until grill marks appear and the skin releases easily from the grates.
- Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken and move it to the cooler (unlit) side of the grill. Cover and continue to cook for 35 to 45 more minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Why pat the chicken dry before grilling? Removing the excess surface moisture from the marinade is crucial. It allows the chicken skin to get a proper sear and become crispy, rather than just steaming on the grill.
- Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, this marinade is delicious on boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They will cook much faster, likely needing only 6-8 minutes per side over direct heat.
- What is two-zone grilling? This method uses a hot side (direct heat) and a cool side (indirect heat). You sear the chicken on the hot side to get color and crispy skin, then move it to the cool side to cook through gently without burning the outside.
- Can I make the marinade ahead of time? Absolutely. The marinade can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days before you use it.
What To Serve With Marinated Chicken
This versatile grilled chicken pairs well with all the classic cookout sides:
- Creamy potato salad or coleslaw
- Grilled corn on the cob
- A simple Caprese salad
- Baked beans
How To Store Marinated Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pioneer Woman Marinated Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 35g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For this marinade, which contains acid (lemon juice), 30 minutes is enough to add flavor. Do not marinate for more than 4 hours, as the acid can start to break down the texture of the chicken, making it mushy.
Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?
Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Why is my chicken skin not crispy?
The two most important steps for crispy skin are patting the chicken completely dry before it goes on the grill and starting it skin-side down over direct, medium-high heat.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crockpot Ranch Chicken Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Pioneer Woman Marinated Chicken Recipe
Description
A simple and savory marinade made with soy sauce, Dijon, and fresh herbs creates incredibly juicy and flavorful grilled chicken.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a jar and shake well.
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Preheat one side of a grill to medium heat (350°F), leaving the other side off.
- Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry, and discard excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken skin-side down on the hot side for 6-8 minutes until grill marks appear.
- Flip the chicken and move it to the cooler side of the grill. Cover and cook for 35-45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003ePatting the chicken dry before grilling is crucial for achieving crispy skin.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe two-zone grilling method prevents the chicken from burning on the outside before it’s cooked through on the inside.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDo not marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours, as the lemon juice can negatively affect the texture.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis marinade is also excellent for boneless chicken, pork, or even steak.u003c/liu003e
