"Timing is everything when it comes to that down-home, succulently tasty, finger-lick'n good, fight for the last piece, southern barbecue. It's very important to marinate the meat well, at least 24 hours."
- Carolyn Quick Tillery
What goes into making unforgettable Southern barbecue??? A little slicing, a little grinding, and a lot of measuring. This is one barbecue chicken marinade you're gonna make (and keep!) for the best Southern barbecue around.
Check what you think you know at the door and let's get started.
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The African-American Heritage Cookbook
This bbq chicken marinade recipe comes from The African-American Heritage Cookbook: Traditional Recipes and Fond Remembrances from Alabama's Renowned Tuskegee Institute by Carolyn Quick Tillery.
Aunt Bay Bay's Barbecue Marinade, below, is the very best. Next you want to cook your meat on a very slow fire, using hickory chips. I prefer using a covered grill so that I can keep the smoke circulating around the meat. After I finish grilling the meat, I place it in large resealable plastic bags and refrigerate overnight.
The next day I remove the meat from the bags and reheat it in a covered roaster by placing it in a warm (lowest setting) oven for about an hour. This method takes a little extra time; however, the results are well worth the extra effort.
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Top Tip
This barbecue chicken marinade can be used with your favorite meat, so feel free to substitute. Just be sure to cook the meat to its recommended minimum temperature.
How to Make Barbecue Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- oil - this bbq chicken marinade calls for vegetable oil
- bay leaves - we like this bay laurel
- curry powder
- basil - dried basil
- marjoram
- savory spice
- thyme - dried thyme
- turmeric
- lemon pepper
- nutmeg - this Anamalai nutmeg smells incredible and has the flavor to match
- salt - seasoned salt is recommended
- paprika
- cumin - ground cumin
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- cayenne pepper - we like to experiment with a variety of chilli pepper options
- lemon
- onion
- garlic
- water
- peppers - 1 red bell pepper and some fresh jalapeño peppers are a must for the best bbq chicken marinade
- liquid smoke
- vinegar
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Equipment
- Prep Bowls
- Child-Friendly Knife
- Butcher Block
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Molcajete (optional)
- Large saucepan or microwave
- Wooden Spoon
- Plastic Wrap
- Learning Tower as needed
Prep the Vegetables and Lemon for the BBQ Marinade
Wash your hands with soap and water. Gently rub produce under cold running water. Scrub firm produce with a clean vegetable brush under running water.
Use a knife and cutting board to slice the lemon, onion, and jalapeño peppers. Mince the garlic. Seed and chop the bell pepper.
Add the Oil & Garlic to a Large Bowl
Pour the oil into a bowl large enough to fit the marinade and the meat. Add the minced garlic to the bowl.
Grind the Spices as Needed
Use a measuring spoon and molcajete as needed to grind the spices for the bbq chicken marinade. Transfer them to the bowl.
Add the Remaining Ingredients to the Bowl
Add the remaining marinade ingredients to the bowl with the oil and spices. Mix everything together with a spoon.
Heat the Marinade
Heat the marinade in the microwave for 30 seconds to release the flavor of the spices. Alternatively, heat the marinade in a large sauce pan on the stove. Turn off the stove when finished.
Transfer the Chicken to the Marinade
Transfer the chicken to the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
If your kids are still learning to navigate their way around meat, try drumsticks. Everyone loves a drumstick.
Make sure you hang onto this marinade when you're done. You're gonna need it for that sauce!
free recipe!
Southern BBQ Chicken Marinade
Slice, grind, & measure your way to finger-lick'n good bbq.
Free BBQ Chicken Marinade Recipe for Pre-Readers & Up
Grab your free printable recipe cards above. Kids can gather ingredients using the ingredient list, gather their equipment with the tools list, and prepare the meal using the step-by-step recipe cards, with assistance as needed.
The cards are easy to use, include pictures, and encourage confidence and independence in the kitchen. They also make an excellent addition to your Montessori continent box for North America.
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Southern Barbecue Chicken Marinade
Equipment
- Molcajete y Tejolote optional
- Learning Tower as needed
- Copper Saucier or microwave
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 bay leaves crushed
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon marjoram
- ⅛ teaspoon savory spice
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 lemon
- 1 onion large, sliced
- 7 cloves garlic minced
- 3 ½ cups water
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 5 jalapeño peppers sliced
- 2 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables and Lemon for the BBQ Marinade: Wash your hands with soap and water. Gently rub produce under cold running water. Scrub firm produce with a clean vegetable brush under running water. Use a knife and cutting board to slice the lemon, onion, and jalapeño peppers. Mince the garlic. Seed and chop the bell pepper.
- Add the Oil & Garlic to a Large Bowl: Pour the oil into a bowl large enough to fit the marinade and the meat. Add the minced garlic to the bowl.
- Grind the Spices as Needed: Use a measuring spoon and molcajete as needed to grind the spices for the bbq chicken marinade. Transfer them to the bowl.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients to the Bowl: Add the remaining marinade ingredients to the bowl with the oil and spices. Mix everything together with a spoon.
- Heat the Marinade: Heat the marinade in the microwave for 30 seconds to release the flavor of the spices. Alternatively, heat the marinade in a large sauce pan on the stove. Turn off the stove when finished.
- Transfer the Chicken to the Marinade: Transfer the chicken to the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 24 hours. If your kids are still learning to navigate their way around meat, try drumsticks. Everyone loves a drumstick.
Notes
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
- Full Lesson Info and Pictures at: https://happyhomeschooladventures.com/barbecue-chicken-marinade
Nutrition
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
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