Enhance the flavor of your barbecued chicken this summer with a secret weapon: kefir. By creating a kefir marinade for chicken, you can experience new flavor profiles when cooking. A kefir chicken marinade also allows for a more juicy texture when the recipe is completed.
Acidic qualities of this thick, often effervescent, dairy beverage make for a perfect marinade. When combined with seasonings like garlic and cayenne pepper, this brine brings well-rounded flavor every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk kefir
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breast, skinless
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Directions:
- Whisk the kefir together with brown sugar, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.
- Arrange the chicken in a resealable container or plastic zip-top bag. Add brine mixture and distribute evenly over the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, and pat it dry with paper towels. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before grilling.
- Heat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grease the grill grates lightly with vegetable oil.
- Transfer chicken breasts to grill and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken develops deep char marks, basting periodically with melted butter. Flip chicken breasts and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
- Remove chicken from the grill. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
