Geeky Grilled Chicken with Plant-Based Options
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with our Geeky Grilled Chicken Delight! This recipe combines the best elements of a classic marinade with a few tech-savvy twists that will take your grilling game to the next level. Perfect for those summer BBQs or a cozy indoor grill session. For our plant-based friends, we've included options to make this recipe just as delightful with tofu and your favorite grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for plant-based, use tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice about 1/2 lemon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey for plant-based, use maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional for a kick
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts** (for plant-based, use 1 block of extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced, and an assortment of vegetables like squash, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms)
Instructions
Marinade Magic:
- In a large mixing bowl (or a resealable plastic bag), combine olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), and lemon juice. This concoction is your flavor base – think of it as the motherboard of your marinade.
- Add Dijon mustard and honey (or maple syrup) to the mix. These ingredients will give your chicken (or tofu/veggies) a beautifully balanced sweet and tangy profile.
- Toss in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried parsley, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. These spices are like the secret algorithms that enhance your marinade’s flavor profile.
Prep the Protein/Veggies:
- For chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours. This marinating time is crucial – it’s like installing a new operating system for maximum performance!
- For plant-based: Place the tofu slices and the assortment of vegetables into the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Grill Time:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If you're using an indoor grill, set it to a similar temperature. Make sure your grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- For chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for precision – no guesswork here!
- For plant-based: Remove the tofu and vegetables from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Place the tofu and vegetables on the grill. Cook the tofu for 4-5 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the tofu is heated through. Cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and charred.
Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken, tofu, and vegetables to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your grilled delight is juicy and flavorful.
- Slice the chicken (or tofu) and serve it with your favorite sides. Think of this as the final debug, ensuring everything is perfect before presenting your culinary creation.
Notes
Geeky Tips
Smart Marinade Hack:
Use a vacuum sealer to marinate the chicken, tofu, or vegetables faster and more effectively. Tech-Savvy Grilling:
Invest in a Bluetooth meat thermometer to monitor the cooking process from your smartphone. Flavor Fusion:
Experiment with adding a teaspoon of miso paste for an umami boost that will wow your taste buds. For those times when you don't want to eat meat or need something delicious for your plant-based friends, give this recipe a try! It's versatile and is sure to be a hit!
Use a vacuum sealer to marinate the chicken, tofu, or vegetables faster and more effectively. Tech-Savvy Grilling:
Invest in a Bluetooth meat thermometer to monitor the cooking process from your smartphone. Flavor Fusion:
Experiment with adding a teaspoon of miso paste for an umami boost that will wow your taste buds. For those times when you don't want to eat meat or need something delicious for your plant-based friends, give this recipe a try! It's versatile and is sure to be a hit!
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!