Spicy chicken marinades can be made with vinegar, oil, buttermilk, or other acidic liquids and can include a variety of spices such as chili, garlic, and cardamom. Commercial options like Italian seasoning or barbecue sauce are also available.
There are many recipes for spicy chicken marinade and several commercially available premade mixes. Common vinegar-based marinades provide a strong heat but can taste flat if not enhanced with other spices. A spicy Asian chicken marinade usually pairs heat with a little sweetness and saltiness and can form a thick layer on the chicken that will be crispy when cooked. Indian marinades can be very spicy but could temper the robust flavor with yogurt or buttermilk. Jamaican jerk, hot buffalo sauce, and even spicy Italian seasoning can be used as a spicy chicken marinade to give a deeper, more defined flavor to the meat.
One consideration when choosing a spicy chicken marinade is the source of the heat. It is often chili in some form. The type of pepper used can determine how intense the heat will be and how well it will pass the taste of other ingredients. In general, hotter peppers that are used in large quantities create a sharp, direct heat; peppers that have been roasted or otherwise prepared that will provide longer, slower heat in the mouth. Hot paprika and chili flakes add the subtlest form of spicy heat and appear in several types of marinades.
Another element of a spicy chicken marinade is the liquid that is used to carry the spices. Vinegar and oil are popular choices because they penetrate the chicken quickly and can add a strong flavor to the meat. Buttermilk is an alternative that can effectively hold the chicken at the same time, taking some of the raw heat out of the chiles and leaving behind a subtle spiciness with a more real pepper flavor. Other acidic liquids, such as tomato or lemon juice, can enhance the spicy flavor while imparting a distinct taste that carries over even after cooking.
The spices used in the spicy chicken marinade are the most important aspect to consider when choosing. Common ingredients like onions, garlic, sage and thyme can add a lot of flavor. Indian marinades can include more distinct flavors such as cardamom, turmeric and mustard seed. A jerk chicken marinade uses ingredients like cloves, allspice, and cumin that can withstand cooking to produce a robust final dish. Asian flavors like garlic, teriyaki sauce, lemongrass, and five-spice powder offer a unique taste that can be blended with sugar or sherry for balance.
A commercially spicy chicken marinade can be both flavorful and affordable. Italian seasonings that are advertised as spicy or spicy can lend a nice, sharp edge to chicken. Barbecue sauces can also be used as a marinade with strong sweetness, tomato flavor, and sometimes an earthy salty flavor.
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