Name: Marinated Chicken Barbecue Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 chicken breasts; 1 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp prepared horseradish; ¼ cup lemon juice; ½ cup Vegetable Oil

Get ready to elevate your next barbecue with this mouth-watering marinated chicken recipe. The combination of tangy ketchup and zesty lemon juice creates a rich marinade that infuses the chicken breasts with incredible flavor. Perfect for a family gathering or a casual dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

Photos of Marinated Chicken Barbecue Recipe

One ingredient that might not be commonly found in your pantry is prepared horseradish. This adds a nice kick to the marinade. If you can't find it, check the condiment aisle near the pickles and relishes.

Ingredients for Marinated Chicken Barbecue

chicken breasts: Lean cuts of chicken ideal for absorbing the flavorful marinade.

ketchup: Provides a sweet and tangy base for the marinade.

prepared horseradish: Adds a spicy element to balance the sweetness.

lemon juice: Introduces a fresh, citrusy brightness to the mix.

vegetable oil: Helps in emulsifying the marinade and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.

One reader, Bryan Trinidad says:

This marinated chicken barbecue recipe is fantastic! The flavors meld perfectly, and the chicken turns out juicy and delicious. The overnight marinade makes all the difference. Definitely a new favorite for our family barbecues!

Bryan Trinidad

Techniques Required for Making Marinated Chicken Barbecue Recipe

How to mix ingredients: Combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and oil in a bowl until well blended. How to marinate chicken: Place chicken breasts in a dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to infuse. How to bake chicken: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes and turning once for even cooking.

How To Make Marinated Chicken Barbecue

This chicken barbecue is an easy way to barbecue a chicken and add an irresistible taste to the meat using a marinade before grilling for a tender dish.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 5 minutes

Total: 1 hour 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8chicken breasts,skinless, boneless
1cupketchup
2tbspprepared horseradish
¼cuplemon juice
½cupvegetable oil

Instructions

Mix together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and oil.
Place chicken breasts in a dish and pour marinade over. Refrigerate overnight.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, and turning once.

Nutrition

Calories: 2365.22kcal
Fat: 240.74g
Saturated Fat: 19.32g
Trans Fat: 1.90g
Monounsaturated Fat: 167.93g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 41.79g
Carbohydrates: 25.48g
Fiber: 0.95g
Sugar: 12.83g
Protein: 37.49g
Cholesterol: 111.36mg
Sodium: 399.91mg
Calcium: 40.38mg
Potassium: 727.64mg
Iron: 1.60mg
Vitamin A: 49.56µg
Vitamin C: 96.59mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Marinated Chicken Barbecue Recipe

For a more flavorful marinade, consider adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture. This will enhance the taste of the chicken and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Marinated Chicken Barbecue

Prepare the marinade in advance: Mix the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and vegetable oil ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Use a ziplock bag: Place the chicken breasts and marinade in a ziplock bag for easy mixing and cleanup.

Preheat the oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees F before you start baking to save time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Use a timer: Set a timer for basting and turning the chicken to ensure you don't forget.

Substitute Ingredients For Marinated Chicken Barbecue Recipe

chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and can be marinated and grilled in the same way as chicken breasts.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu can absorb the marinade flavors well and can be grilled to achieve a similar texture.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can be thinned with a bit of water and sweetened to mimic the consistency and flavor of ketchup.
ketchup - Substitute with barbecue sauce: Barbecue sauce can add a smoky flavor and similar sweetness to the marinade.
prepared horseradish - Substitute with wasabi paste: Wasabi paste provides a similar pungent heat and can be used in smaller quantities.
prepared horseradish - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard offers a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that can complement the marinade.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor to the marinade.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a similar tanginess and can help tenderize the meat.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil has a similar fat content and can be used for marinating and grilling.
vegetable oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil that can be used in place of vegetable oil for marinating and grilling.

Presenting Your Marinated Chicken Barbecue

Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that the chicken breasts are fresh and organic. Opt for premium ketchup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and high-grade vegetable oil.
Marinate thoroughly: Mix the ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, and vegetable oil until well combined. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Bake with precision: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the remaining marinade and turning the chicken breasts once to ensure even cooking.
Plate with elegance: Slice the baked chicken breasts into thin, even pieces. Arrange them artfully on a pristine white plate. Drizzle a bit of the remaining marinade over the top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Garnish thoughtfully: Add a touch of color and freshness by garnishing the plate with finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. A few thin slices of lemon can also enhance the presentation and provide a hint of acidity.
Serve with complementary sides: Pair the marinated chicken barbecue with sides that complement its flavors. Consider serving with a light garden salad, grilled vegetables, or a delicate rice pilaf.
Attention to detail: Ensure that each plate is meticulously cleaned before serving. Use a clean cloth to wipe any stray sauce or marinade from the edges of the plate for a professional finish.

Essential Tools for Making Marinated Chicken Barbecue

Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and vegetable oil to create the marinade.
Whisk: This will help you thoroughly mix the marinade ingredients together until they are well combined.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring out the ketchup, lemon juice, and vegetable oil.
Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the horseradish to ensure the correct amount is added to the marinade.
Baking dish: Place the chicken breasts in this dish and pour the marinade over them for refrigeration.
Plastic wrap: Cover the baking dish with this to keep the chicken and marinade fresh while refrigerating overnight.
Refrigerator: Store the marinated chicken in here overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Oven: Preheat and bake the marinated chicken breasts in this at 350 degrees F.
Basting brush: Use this to baste the chicken every 15 minutes during baking to keep it moist and flavorful.
Tongs: Handy for turning the chicken breasts once during the baking process to ensure even cooking.
Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the dish in and taking it out of the hot oven.
Meat thermometer: Optional but useful to check that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Storing and Freezing Marinated Chicken Barbecue

If you have any leftover marinated chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before storing it.
To freeze the marinated chicken, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when you froze the chicken.
Frozen marinated chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen chicken, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Do not thaw the chicken at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Once thawed, the chicken should be consumed within 1-2 days. Reheat the chicken thoroughly before serving, ensuring that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you want to marinate the chicken and freeze it for later use, you can place the raw chicken in the marinade and freeze it immediately. When you're ready to use it, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator, allowing the marinade to penetrate the meat as it defrosts.

How To Reheat Leftover Marinated Chicken Barbecue

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover marinated chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
For a quick and easy reheat, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per piece, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you want to add a crispy texture to your leftover barbecue chicken, try using a skillet or grill pan. Heat a small amount of oil or butter in the pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it's heated through and has a nice crispy exterior.
For a flavorful and moist reheating option, try using a sous vide machine. Place the chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag with the air removed. Set the sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C) and cook the chicken for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender.
If you have a slow cooker or Crock-Pot, you can use it to reheat your leftover marinated chicken. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and add a small amount of water, chicken broth, or barbecue sauce to keep it moist. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is heated through. This method is perfect for keeping the chicken warm and flavorful for a longer period.

Interesting Fact About Marinated Chicken Barbecue

A random fact about this recipe is that horseradish adds a unique spicy kick to the marinade, which complements the chicken perfectly.

Is Making Marinated Chicken Barbecue at Home Cost-Effective?

This marinated chicken barbecue recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients—chicken breasts, ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and vegetable oil—are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD. Considering the simplicity and flavor, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10.

Is Marinated Chicken Barbecue Healthy or Unhealthy?

The marinated chicken barbecue recipe, while flavorful, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients. The use of ketchup, which is high in sugar and sodium, along with the vegetable oil, contributes to the dish's overall calorie and fat content. Additionally, the recipe lacks any mention of vegetables or other nutrient-dense foods that could balance out the meal.

However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing taste:

Replace the ketchup with a low-sugar, low-sodium tomato sauce or passata, and add your own blend of spices for flavor
Swap the vegetable oil with a healthier option like olive oil or avocado oil, which contain beneficial monounsaturated fats
Reduce the amount of oil used in the marinade, as the chicken will still be flavorful with less
Serve the chicken with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables to increase the meal's nutrient content and fiber
Opt for chicken breasts with the skin removed to reduce the overall fat content of the dish
Consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of the sugar in the ketchup to further reduce the carbohydrate content

By making these simple adjustments, you can transform this marinated chicken barbecue recipe into a healthier, more balanced meal that still delivers on flavor. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in the overall nutritional value of your food.

Editor's Opinion on This Marinated Chicken Barbecue Recipe

This marinated chicken barbecue recipe offers a simple yet flavorful approach. The combination of ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and vegetable oil creates a tangy and slightly spicy marinade that penetrates the chicken well when left overnight. Baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit ensures the chicken remains juicy while developing a caramelized exterior from the basting. However, consider adding garlic, herbs, or a touch of honey for added depth. Grilling instead of baking could also enhance the smoky barbecue flavor. Overall, it's a solid recipe with room for personalization.

Enhance Your Marinated Chicken Barbecue Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan: Imagine the crispiness of grilled asparagus kissed by a hint of smokiness. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this side dish adds a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor to your marinated chicken barbecue.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Add a tropical twist to your meal with a vibrant mango avocado salsa. The sweetness of mangoes combined with the creaminess of avocado and a hint of lime creates a refreshing contrast that will make your taste buds dance.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with garlic mashed potatoes. The creamy texture and rich garlic flavor provide a hearty and satisfying complement to the juicy chicken. It's a match made in culinary heaven.

Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Almonds: Elevate your side dish game with a quinoa salad bursting with cranberries and almonds. The nutty flavor of quinoa paired with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of almonds creates a symphony of textures and tastes.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon: Delight in the sweet and savory goodness of roasted sweet potatoes. Drizzled with honey and dusted with cinnamon, these caramelized gems offer a warm and comforting side that perfectly complements the barbecue flavors.

Similar Recipes to Marinated Chicken Barbecue

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Infuse your chicken breasts with a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a summer barbecue, this dish is light, flavorful, and pairs wonderfully with a side of grilled vegetables.

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken: A delightful combination of sweet and tangy, this chicken recipe features a honey mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Serve with a crisp salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Spicy Sriracha Chicken Skewers: Turn up the heat with these chicken skewers marinated in a fiery sriracha sauce. Perfect for grilling, these skewers are great for parties and pair well with a cooling cucumber salad.

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs: Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of teriyaki with these succulent chicken thighs. Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, this dish is perfect served over a bed of steamed rice with a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for Marinated Chicken Barbecue

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable stuffed mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are baked to perfection, offering a creamy and flavorful bite that pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to start any meal.

Bruschetta: Transport your guests to Italy with a classic bruschetta. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic are combined with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This mixture is then spooned onto toasted baguette slices, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The bruschetta is a vibrant and refreshing appetizer that sets the tone for a memorable dining experience.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a decadent Chocolate Lava Cake with a molten center that oozes rich, velvety chocolate as you cut into it. Pair this indulgent treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the warm, gooey chocolate with a cool, creamy contrast. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh raspberries for a touch of elegance and a burst of tartness.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Delight your taste buds with a tangy Lemon Meringue Pie that features a zesty lemon curd filling and a light, fluffy meringue topping. The crisp, buttery pie crust provides the perfect base for this refreshing dessert. Serve chilled and garnish with a twist of lemon zest and a few sprigs of mint to enhance the citrusy flavors and add a touch of color.

Why trust this Marinated Chicken Barbecue Recipe:

This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of ketchup with the zesty kick of horseradish and lemon juice. Marinating the chicken breasts overnight ensures they absorb all the flavors, making them incredibly juicy and flavorful. Baking at a moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly, while basting keeps it moist. This tried-and-true method guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

Excited to try out this marinated chicken barbecue recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of the forum to share your experience and discuss any tweaks or variations you made!

FAQ:

How long should I marinate the chicken?

It's best to marinate the chicken overnight to let the flavors really soak in. If you're short on time, try to marinate for at least 4 hours.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a nice smoky flavor. Just make sure to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs. They might take a bit longer to cook, so keep an eye on them and make sure they reach the right internal temperature.

What can I serve with this marinated chicken barbecue?

This chicken goes great with a side of coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with some rice or mashed potatoes.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Sure thing! You can mix the marinade ingredients together and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it.