3-Ingredient Maple Apple Cider Chicken Marinade Recipe
A simple and flavorful 3-ingredient chicken marinade that uses maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to create a tangy, sweet, and savory glaze. This easy marinade is perfect for boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts and is grilled to juicy perfection with a slight char, making it an ideal quick and delicious meal option without the use of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: Serves 2-3
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined, creating a balanced sweet and tangy mixture.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the grill: When ready to cook, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for direct-heat grilling, which helps achieve a nice char and juicy interior.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is charred on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating for longer (up to 4 hours) increases the flavor intensity but avoid overnight to prevent the acid from toughening the chicken.
- If you do not have a grill, a grill pan or cast iron skillet can be used to sear the chicken on the stovetop.
- Adjust kosher salt according to taste but be cautious since Worcestershire sauce adds some saltiness.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
- Pair with fresh vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
