This versatile whole chicken marinade creates incredibly juicy, flavorful poultry whether you’re roasting, grilling, or air frying. Made with common pantry ingredients, this simple recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a deliciously tender meal.
The combination of dried herbs, spices, and a few fresh ingredients creates a perfectly balanced blend that penetrates deep into the meat. This recipe is ideal for whole chickens but works equally well with individual pieces like breasts, legs, or wings.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 whole chicken (1.6-2 kg)
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Combine all dry ingredients (paprika, herbs, spices) in a mixing bowl
- Step 2: Add wet ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce if using) and mix thoroughly
- Step 3: Remove giblets from chicken and pat dry with paper towels
- Step 4: Apply marinade generously all over chicken, including cavity
- Step 5: Stuff cavity with quartered onion
- Step 6: Cover with foil and refrigerate for 2-24 hours
Additional Instructions
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Marinating time: 2-24 hours
- Cooking temperature: 200°C/400°F (oven) or 180°C/380°F (air fryer)
- Storage: Marinade keeps for 48 hours in fridge or 1 month frozen
- Fresh herbs can substitute dried (use double amount)
- Double recipe for chickens over 2kg
- Always cook to internal temperature of 75°C/165°F
General Nutritional Values
- Calories: 112 kcal per serving
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 3g
