Chicken is a dinner staple for many Melbourne families, but cooking it the same way every time can get a bit monotonous. The good news is, with just a few ingredients and some prep time, you can elevate your chicken dishes using simple yet flavorful marinades. Marinades not only enhance the taste of the chicken but also help keep it tender and juicy when cooked.

In this blog, we’ll go over five easy and delicious chicken marinades that will take your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. And if you’re looking for the best raw chicken in Melbourne, Flying Poultry has you covered with fresh, high-quality chicken that pairs perfectly with these marinades.

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1. Lemon Herb Marinade

The Lemon Herb Marinade is a bright, fresh option that’s perfect for summer grilling or a light roast. The acidity from the lemon tenderizes the chicken, while fresh herbs add a burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.

Best Cooking Methods:

Grill or roast the marinated chicken. Lemon Herb Chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad.

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2. Soy Honey Garlic Marinade

This Soy Honey Garlic Marinade brings together sweet, savory, and umami flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The honey caramelizes beautifully during cooking, giving the chicken a golden glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken in a resealable bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Best Cooking Methods:

Grill, bake, or stir-fry. This marinade is perfect for chicken thighs, which stay juicy and flavorful with the glaze. Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

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3. Greek Yogurt and Mint Marinade

This Greek Yogurt and Mint Marinade is ideal for keeping chicken tender and juicy. The yogurt tenderizes the meat while the mint adds a refreshing twist, making this marinade perfect for hot days or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, mint, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Coat the chicken with the yogurt mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

Best Cooking Methods:

Grill or bake the chicken until golden brown. This marinade is ideal for chicken skewers or kabobs, served with pita bread, hummus, and a side salad.

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4. Spicy Cajun Marinade

For families who enjoy a little heat, the Spicy Cajun Marinade is a must-try. This marinade is packed with bold spices that give the chicken a smoky, spicy kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place the chicken in a resealable bag, add the marinade, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Best Cooking Methods:

Grill or pan-sear the chicken for a spicy, flavorful meal. This marinade works particularly well with chicken wings or drumsticks and pairs great with coleslaw or corn on the cob.

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5. Honey Mustard Marinade

The Honey Mustard Marinade is a classic combination that adds a tangy, sweet flavor to the chicken. The mustard tenderizes the meat, while the honey balances out the sharpness with a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the marinade to the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Best Cooking Methods:

Bake or grill the chicken. Honey mustard chicken is perfect for salads, sandwiches, or alongside roasted potatoes and green beans.

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Tips for Marinating Chicken

To get the most out of these marinades, follow these simple tips for the best results:

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Chicken: Start with fresh chicken from Flying Poultry for optimal flavor and tenderness.
2. Marinate in the Refrigerator: Always marinate chicken in the fridge, not at room temperature, to avoid bacteria growth.
3. Timing is Key: While most marinades work well with 30 minutes to 4 hours of marinating, chicken can also benefit from overnight marinating, especially for tougher cuts like thighs and drumsticks.
4. Use Airtight Bags: Resealable bags are ideal for marinating as they allow the chicken to be evenly coated and make cleanup easy.
5. Don’t Reuse Marinades: Avoid reusing marinades as they can carry bacteria from raw chicken. If you want extra sauce, set aside a portion before marinating.

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Why Choose Flying Poultry for Your Chicken Marinades?

Using high-quality chicken makes all the difference when it comes to marinating. Flying Poultry offers the best raw chicken in Melbourne, ensuring that your family meals are delicious and wholesome.

• Freshness Guaranteed: Flying Poultry delivers fresh, never-frozen chicken, which absorbs marinades beautifully for flavorful, juicy results.
• Variety of Cuts: With options like breasts, thighs, and wings, Flying Poultry allows you to choose the perfect cut for any marinade and recipe.
• Ethically Sourced: Their chicken is raised without antibiotics or hormones, providing you with a healthy, clean protein option for your family.

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Conclusion

Marinating chicken is a simple way to bring variety and excitement to your family meals. With these five easy marinades, you can transform ordinary chicken into a flavorful centerpiece for dinner, no matter what your family’s taste preferences are.

So next time you’re planning your weekly menu, try one (or all!) of these marinades with high-quality chicken from Flying Poultry. Your family will enjoy a delicious variety of flavors, and you’ll have an easy, go-to strategy for creating meals that everyone loves!