Whoever said, “Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today?” definitely never experienced the all-consuming desire to stay in bed and binge-watch an entire season of a new show on a rainy day. But, alas, we have busy lives, and procrastination is no friend to productivity. Lucky for you (and me), I have uncovered some genius strategies for tackling daunting tasks and wrangling that sweet sweet motivation.
It turns out that the solution to an insidious foe like procrastination lies in embracing the art of marination. No, I’m not talking about stewing in guilt for hours over our unfinished to-do lists! Believe it or not, marination can teach us a thing or two about boosting productivity. It’s all about the prep work, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and being patient while flavors meld and enrichen.
Just like marination works for our culinary delights, prepping ourselves with enthusiastic pep talks, setting mini-goals, and assembling the proper arsenal of tools will help us conquer even the most challenging days. And by tools, I mean your notepad and your cup of coffee, maybe even a little “Y-M-C-A” on repeat (the ultimate productivity anthem, don’t judge).
And speaking of marination, I have the perfect Grilled Chicken Breast Marinade recipe that you’re going to love. I promise that the satisfying blend of flavors will keep you coming back for more, just like the newfound productivity you’re about to master. After trying out this recipe, you’ll be able to wow your family and friends with your grilling skills and conquer your to-do list like the superhero you are. Enjoy the journey to flavor town and endless productivity!
Ingredients
- Dill pickle juice – Briney tang that adds depth of flavor for that classic deli-style taste.
- Whole milk – Essential for marinating the chicken properly.
- Powdered sugar – Secret ingredient that adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the acidity of the pickle juice and milk.
- Sea salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors of other ingredients.
- Black pepper – Adds a nice bite and enhances the other flavors.
- Onion powder – Adds a subtle onion flavor.
- Garlic powder – Adds a nice garlicky flavor.
- Paprika – Adds a smoky flavor and color to the chicken.
- Lemon zest – Adds a fresh flavor to the marinade.
- Olive oil – Helps everything bind together and also helps with cooking.
Instructions
- Alright, let’s get marinating! First, we’re going to take a large bowl and mix together our special blend of seasonings – that includes powdered sugar, fine sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest.
- Next, in a measuring cup or bowl, we’re going to combine a ½ cup of strained dill pickle juice with a ½ cup of whole milk. If you’re not a fan of dill pickles, you could also use pickle juice from a sweeter variety, but just keep in mind that it may make the marinade a little sweeter. Also, it’s best not to use any milk substitutions for this recipe as you need the full-fat content of whole milk to properly marinate the chicken.
- Once we have our marinade mixed, pour it into a plastic bag or container, add your chicken breast and give it a good massage to make sure all the chicken is coated. Then, just pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but ideally, you want to let it marinate for 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- When you’re ready to grill, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it rest for 30 minutes to bring it to room temperature. And then, it’s grilling time! Using the seasoning mixture we made earlier, season the chicken before placing it on the grill. Trust me, this is going to be the best grilled chicken you’ve ever had! And if you don’t have a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, you could also use this marinade for baked chicken by cooking it in the oven. A couple of notes, it is not recommended to use any milk substitutions for this recipe. Also, the seasoning ingredients are not calculated in the nutrition. And that’s it, easy peasy! Just sit back, relax and enjoy the deliciousness that is your perfectly marinated and seasoned grilled chicken. Happy grilling!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken Breast Marinade
This easy grilled chicken marinade is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, this marinade will make sure your chicken is juicy and flavorful.
Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
- Serve it up with a side of grilled veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, and onions.
- Turn it into a wrap by adding some shredded lettuce, cheese, and your favorite condiments.
- Pair it with a light and refreshing pasta salad like lemon-basil pasta salad or a classic caprese salad.
- Make it into a sandwich by adding some lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a toasted bun.
- Serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or a baked sweet potato.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try using this marinade as a base for a delicious chicken alfredo pasta dish? The possibilities are endless!
FAQ’s
What type of pickle juice should I use for this marinade?
Make sure to use dill pickle juice as the brining agent for this marinade. A sweeter pickle variety will add too much sweetener and might not give you the desired tangy flavor you’re looking for.
Can I use a milk substitute in this recipe?
It is not recommended to use any milk substitutions for this recipe, you need the full-fat content of whole milk to marinate the chicken and give it that creamy texture and taste. If you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative, try using a plain unsweetened yogurt or a non-dairy milk like coconut or almond milk.
How long should I marinate the chicken for?
Massage the marinade into the chicken breast and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours. The longer you marinate it, the more flavor it will absorb, so you can decide how tangy or creamy you want the chicken to be.
Can I use this marinade for baked chicken instead of grilling it?
Absolutely! If you do not want to use the grill to cook your protein, feel free to use this marinade for baked chicken by cooking it in the oven. Just make sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking it.
Can I use other seasonings instead of the ones listed in the recipe?
Sure, you can definitely get creative with the seasonings if you want to experiment with different flavors. But for best results, try sticking to the powdered sugar, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest mixture provided in the recipe. These ingredients work together to give you the best-grilled chicken you’ve ever had!
Grilled Chicken Breast with Dill Pickle and Lemon Marinade
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 large resealable plastic bag or container
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup dill pickle juice, strained
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the strained dill pickle juice and whole milk.
- Add the chicken breasts to a large resealable plastic bag or container, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or container and massage the marinade into the chicken.
- Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest, and olive oil.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also bake the chicken in the oven.
Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
