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Cajun Chicken Marinade

Cajun Chicken Marinade

Spice up your dinner with this easy Cajun Chicken Marinade. Bursting with bold flavors and aromas, it transforms ordinary chicken into an unforgettable meal. Perfect for grilling or baking, you'll want to make this tonight!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 small garlic cloves minced or pressed through a garlic press
  • 0.5 tablespoons smoked hot paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 0.125 teaspoons salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.125 teaspoons Hungarian paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast pounded into even thickness

Equipment

  • Measuring Spoons
  • Knife
  • garlic press
  • Cutting Board
  • Plastic wrap
  • meat mallet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • resealable plastic bag
  • Kitchen tongs
  • digital meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked hot paprika, dried oregano, salt, onion powder, Hungarian paprika, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything well until combined. You’ll notice the rich aroma of the spices coming together.
  2. Once the marinade is well mixed, pour it into a resealable plastic bag. This makes it easy to coat the chicken evenly while keeping the mess minimal.
  3. Now, take your chicken breast and place it in the bag with the marinade. Seal the bag tightly, allowing the marinade to coat the chicken completely.
  4. Gently massage the bag to ensure the marinade is evenly distributed. This is important for maximizing flavor absorption.
  5. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
  6. After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag. Discard any leftover marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
  7. Prepare your grill by preheating it to medium-high heat. This is crucial for achieving a nice sear on the chicken.
  8. Using kitchen tongs, place the marinated chicken directly onto the grill. Grill for about five minutes on one side, checking for grill marks before flipping.
  9. Flip the chicken and grill the other side for another five minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Use a digital meat thermometer for accuracy.
  10. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. Enjoy your beautifully marinated chicken!

Notes

Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking.
This marinade pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Adjust the amount of smoked paprika to control the level of heat according to your preference.
Feel free to play around with the spices! Add cayenne for more heat or a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.