Easy Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 5 strips thick cut bacon
I prefer Oscar Meyer
- 2 large boneless/skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
I use Hidden Valley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions
- 1
Note: This marinade can be made without bacon and the chicken can also be cooked on the grill if preferred. See notes for instructions on baking in the oven.
- 2
Pat the chicken dry and slice in half lengthwise to create 2 thinner pieces of equal size. If you prefer thinner chicken, place saran wrap over the top and pound it to about 3/4 -inch thick. It will plump up more when cooked.
- 3
Combine the marinade ingredients. Reserve 1/3 cup of the marinade and use the rest to cover the chicken. Marinate for 30 minutes or so. (Overnight works too.)
- 4
Meanwhile, cook the bacon slowly over low heat, flipping occasionally until crispy. Set aside and crumble once cool.
- 5
Reserve 2 TBS bacon drippings. (If you don’t have enough, use olive oil instead.)
- 6
Clean the pan or use a new one. A 13-inch pan is a great size for this recipe.
- 7
Heat the drippings over medium-high heat. Once it’s warm and glistening, and add the chicken. Leave a generous amount of marinade on each piece when it goes into the pan.
- 8
Sear on each side for 5-6 minutes, until a crisp golden sear is obtained. As the chicken cooks, add the reserved 1/3 cup marinade to the pan and spoon it over the chicken as it cooks. I like to lift the pan and rotate it to evenly distribute the liquid throughout.
- 9
Once the chicken is seared on each side and the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees, remove from heat and garnish with bacon. Spoon any remaining sauce on top prior to serving!
Easy Chicken Marinade
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About this Recipe
Tired of bland chicken? This easy chicken marinade is your secret weapon for transforming everyday chicken breasts into a succulent, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that tastes anything but ordinary.
The genius of this marinade comes from its harmonious blend of savory and tangy elements. Creamy ranch dressing provides a fantastic base, complemented by the umami depth of Worcestershire sauce, the bright acidity of lemon juice and white vinegar, and the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. This combination works double duty, both tenderizing the chicken to ensure a remarkably juicy outcome and infusing it with layers of irresistible flavor that really shine through after cooking.
You can anticipate a finished chicken that is wonderfully tender and bursting with a complex, savory taste. Each bite offers a delightful balance of tangy notes from the lemon and vinegar, rich savoriness from the Worcestershire, and a subtle creamy, herby finish from the ranch dressing, all underlined by a fragrant garlic essence. While thick-cut bacon is listed as an ingredient, the primary experience will be a moist, flavorful chicken, ready to be prepared to your liking.
Customization & Variations: This versatile marinade is fantastic for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but don't hesitate to experiment. It would also work beautifully with chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even firm white fish for a lighter option. For those who prefer a less tangy profile, you can slightly reduce the amounts of white vinegar or lemon juice. If you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add a bit more minced garlic to the mix.
Serving & Context: Perfect for a casual family meal or a simple get-together, this marinated chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. It's an excellent choice for making meal prep easier, leading to delicious results every time.