Spanish-Style Chicken Marinade

This marinade simply oozes Spanish flavors and is made with just a few easy-to-find ingredients. All of these ingredients are considered Spanish pantry staples and you should have no trouble finding them in any decent supermarket. 

Use Good-Quality Ingredients

With so few ingredients, it’s important to use good-quality ingredients whenever possible. I always use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as it enhances flavor and offers significant health benefits compared to using other cooking oils. But prices have gone up drastically lately, even in the Med, and more in some parts of the world so you don’t have to use EVOO and it will still turn out great (find out the benefits of each type in this guide: are all olive oils healthy?). 

When it comes to lemon juice, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice has a more enhanced flavor and contains no additives or preservatives. 

Spanish Herbs and Spices

Herbs such as oregano and rosemary are both used extensively in Spanish cooking, and you’ll find bushes of oregano, thyme, and rosemary growing wild all over the Iberian Peninsular. Fresh herbs are also great for use in marinades, however, you will need to add more than the stated recipe amount as dried herbs are more potent than fresh herbs. Discover The Top 10 Herbs Used in Spanish Cooking.

La Vera Smoked Paprika

Spanish smoked paprika has a rich flavor and mild spice to it and is excellent when giving recipes a subtle smoked flavor. When it comes to smoked paprika, the paprika from the La Vera region of Spain is renowned for its quality and flavor. 

But there are different types of Spanish paprika and they all complement different dishes, for example, sweet paprika works great with fish. I highly recommend sticking to smoked paprika for this marinade though, even if you can’t find a Spanish brand.

Marinating Times for Chicken

Marinating times for chicken depend on the type of cut and the strength of the marinade. I used chicken thighs for the recipe video and marinated the thighs for 3 hours. They turned out absolutely fantastic and were very tender with plenty of flavor. Chicken thighs are my go-to cut when making this recipe as I love the flavor and they marinate so well.

You can use your preferred cut, of course. Here are some general guidelines for marinating chicken to achieve optimal flavor and tenderness:

1. Chicken Breasts

• Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Reason: Chicken breasts are relatively lean and can become mushy if marinated too long, especially in acidic marinades.

2. Chicken Thighs

• Marinating Time: 1 to 6 hours
• Reason: Thighs are fattier and can handle longer marinating times, which helps to enhance their flavor.

3. Chicken Drumsticks

• Marinating Time: 1 to 6 hours
• Reason: Similar to thighs, drumsticks benefit from longer marinating times to penetrate the skin and enhance flavor.

4. Chicken Wings

• Marinating Time: 1 to 4 hours
• Reason: Wings are small and have a good amount of surface area for the marinade to adhere to, so they don’t need as much time as larger cuts.

5. Chicken Tenders

• Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Reason: Chicken tenders are very lean and delicate, so a short marinating time is sufficient to impart flavor without altering the texture.

Additional Tips:

• Acidic Marinades: If your marinade contains a high amount of acid (like citrus juice in this recipe), stick to the lower end of the marinating times to avoid breaking down the meat too much, which can lead to a mushy texture.
• Non-Acidic Marinades: If you find a recipe for a marinade that’s more herb or spice-based with less acid, you can marinate for longer periods within the given range.
• Refrigeration: Always marinate chicken in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
• Even Coating: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Use a resealable plastic bag or a covered container to help with even distribution.
• Marinade Safety: Discard used marinade or boil it thoroughly if you plan to use it as a sauce, to eliminate any bacteria from the raw chicken.

By following these marinating times and tips, you can achieve deliciously flavored and tender chicken.

Why You Should Use A Glass Bowl For Marinating

Using a glass bowl for marinating chicken is recommended for several reasons related to safety, flavor preservation, and ease of cleaning.

Here are the main benefits:

1. Non-Reactive Surface

• Avoids Chemical Reactions: Glass is a non-reactive material, meaning it won’t react with acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juices, or wine. Reactive materials like aluminum or copper can cause the marinade to take on a metallic taste and can potentially leach harmful substances into the food.

2. Easy to Clean

• Non-Porous: Glass is non-porous and doesn’t absorb odors or flavors from the marinade, making it easier to clean thoroughly compared to plastic or wood, which can retain smells and stains.
• Dishwasher Safe: Most glass bowls are dishwasher safe, making cleanup more convenient.

3. Temperature Resistant

• Withstands Temperature Changes: Glass bowls can generally handle a range of temperatures, from the fridge to the countertop, without cracking. This makes them ideal for marinating, where you may need to refrigerate the mixture for extended periods.

4. Transparency

• Visibility: Glass bowls are clear, so you can easily monitor the marinating process. You can see how well the chicken is coated and if the marinade needs to be stirred or redistributed.

5. Chemical-Free

• Avoids Plastic Contaminants: Unlike some plastics, glass doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like BPA or phthalates, which can leach into food over time, especially when exposed to acidic ingredients or high temperatures.

6. Durability

• Long-Lasting: Glass is durable and, if handled properly, can last for many years without scratching or deteriorating. Unlike plastic, it doesn’t degrade over time with repeated use and washing.

Practical Tips:

• Size Appropriately: Choose a glass bowl that is appropriately sized for the amount of chicken you’re marinating to ensure even coating and better storage in the fridge.
• Cover Properly: Use a lid or plastic food wrap to cover the glass bowl while marinating to prevent contamination and odor transfer in the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

*Based on a serving of 6 chicken thighs with marinade

Love this recipe?

Leave us a comment and tell us your favorite Spanish tapas recipe!