Savory Sage and Cider Chicken Marinade
Rediscover the delicious complexities of flavor with this Savory Sage and Cider Chicken Marinade. Inspired by traditional aromas and enhanced by a touch of modern zest, this marinade transforms your poultry or beef into a succulent, grill-ready masterpiece. It works exceptionally well with hickory or mesquite grilled chicken, but don't hesitate to try it on beef for a unique twist. Whether you're aiming for a quick weeknight meal or prepping for a weekend barbecue, this marinade promises tantalizing results. The spices meld perfectly with the apple cider, creating a tender, juicy finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sage
1-2 ounces (to taste)
Coarse Black Pepper
1-2 ounces (to taste)
Hard Apple Cider
1-3 cups (none)
Soy Sauce or Maggi Seasoning Sauce
3 ounces (none)
Garlic
optional (powdered or crushed cloves)
Cayenne Pepper Sauce
splash (optional)
Rotel Chiles and Tomatoes
optional (none)
A-1 Sweet and Tangy Sauce
optional (none)
Sriracha
optional (any flavor Vietnamese-style)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine sage and coarse black pepper. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preference.
2
Add hard apple cider to the spice mix. This acts as a tenderizer for the chicken, enhancing the flavor profile.
3
Pour in soy sauce or Maggi seasoning sauce. Remember, Maggi is saltier, so adjust to your salt preference.
4
Optional: Enhance flavor with additional ingredients such as powdered or freshly crushed garlic, a splash of cayenne pepper sauce, Rotel chiles and tomatoes, A-1 sweet and tangy sauce, or Sriracha.
5
If preferred, substitute vodka or honey mead for the hard apple cider for a different kick.
6
Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly and pour over the meat of your choice.
7
For best results, marinate chicken (or beef) in a tightly sealed dish for a minimum of 1 1/2 hours to overnight in the refrigerator.
8
Grill the marinated meat over hickory or mesquite wood for optimal flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sage and Cider Chicken Marinade?
It is a flavorful blend of sage, hard apple cider, and soy sauce designed to transform poultry or beef into a succulent, grill-ready masterpiece.
What type of meat works best with this marinade?
While it is exceptional for chicken, it also works very well as a unique twist for beef.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The core ingredients include sage, coarse black pepper, hard apple cider, and soy sauce or Maggi seasoning sauce.
How much sage should I use in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1-2 ounces of sage, but you should adjust the quantity to suit your personal taste preferences.
What is the role of hard apple cider in this marinade?
The hard apple cider acts as a tenderizer for the chicken while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Can I substitute the hard apple cider with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the hard apple cider with vodka or honey mead for a different flavor kick.
Should I use Soy Sauce or Maggi seasoning sauce?
You can use either; however, remember that Maggi is saltier than soy sauce, so you should adjust the amount based on your salt preference.
What are some optional ingredients to enhance the flavor?
Optional enhancers include garlic, cayenne pepper sauce, Rotel chiles and tomatoes, A-1 sweet and tangy sauce, or Sriracha.
How should I prepare the garlic for this marinade?
You can use either powdered garlic or freshly crushed garlic cloves depending on your preference.
How do I make the marinade spicy?
You can add a splash of cayenne pepper sauce or Vietnamese-style Sriracha to add heat to the marinade.
What is the recommended marinating time for chicken?
For the best results, you should marinate the meat for a minimum of 1.5 hours, or up to overnight.
Where should I store the meat while it is marinating?
The meat should be placed in a tightly sealed dish and kept in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to cook the marinated meat?
The marinated meat is best when grilled over hickory or mesquite wood for optimal smoky flavor.
Can I use this recipe for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that works well for both quick weeknight dinners and weekend barbecues.
Is this marinade suitable for beef?
Absolutely, using this marinade on beef provides a unique and delicious flavor twist.
How much black pepper is required?
The recipe suggests 1-2 ounces of coarse black pepper, adjusted to your taste.
What kind of Sriracha should I use?
Any flavor of Vietnamese-style Sriracha will work well as an optional addition.
Why should I use hickory or mesquite wood for grilling?
These specific woods provide the best flavor profile to complement the sage and cider notes in the marinade.
What is the consistency of the finished meat?
The marinade creates a tender, juicy finish with a complex blend of traditional aromas and modern zest.
Do I need to mix the dry ingredients first?
Yes, start by combining the sage and coarse black pepper in a mixing bowl before adding the liquids.
Can I use A-1 sauce in this recipe?
Yes, adding A-1 sweet and tangy sauce is an optional way to enhance the flavor.
What does Rotel add to the marinade?
Adding Rotel chiles and tomatoes provides extra texture and a zesty kick to the marinade.
How much soy sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for approximately 3 ounces of soy sauce or Maggi seasoning.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a flavorful marinade that is simple to prepare.
Can I use honey mead instead of cider?
Yes, honey mead is a recommended substitute if you want to change the profile of the marinade.
Does this marinade work for barbecue?
Yes, it is highly recommended for barbecue preparation and outdoor grilling.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This specific recipe is scaled for 1 serving of marinade but can be easily multiplied for more meat.
What type of black pepper is best?
Coarse black pepper is recommended for the best texture and flavor impact.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine sage and coarse black pepper in a mixing bowl.
Should the marinade be poured over the meat?
Yes, after mixing all the ingredients thoroughly, you pour the mixture over your choice of meat.