Mayo Marinated Chicken is a delicious dish. It is easy to make. In this dish, chicken is marinated in a mixture of mayonnaise and various seasonings. Then, it is cooked. The mayo helps to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful while imparting a creamy texture. Here’s a simple recipe to make mayo-marinated chicken:
This mayo-marinated chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes like roasted vegetables, salad, rice, or mashed potatoes. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preferences and make this dish your own!
The trick to the most tender, juicy, and succulent chicken you will ever make is simple. Just start with a mayo marinade! The mayo will lock in moisture. It will improve the browning on the grill. This results in delicious, charred grill marks. These will take your chicken to the next level. Once you try this mayo marinade you won’t grill chicken without it again.
Ingredients for Mayo Marinated Chicken
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise (buy in Amazon)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tbsp kosher salt
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mayo Marinated Chicken
- Trim any remaining fat off your chicken breasts
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight if possible.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake the chicken for 25 – 30 minutes. Check to verify it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Make sure the juices run clear.
- Optionally, you can broil the chicken for a couple of minutes at the end to get a nice golden crust.
Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side. Cook them until they are done and have nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Air fry the chicken:
- Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 18 – 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time varies based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
Serve:
- Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the Mayo Marinated Grilled Chicken with your favorite side dishes like salad, grilled vegetables, or rice. Enjoy!
Serving suggestions to pair with Mayo Marinated Grilled Chicken:
- Fresh salads: mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette, coleslaw, cucumber-teta salad, or arugula with cherry tomatoes.
- Grains and starchy sides: lemon quinoa, garlic herb couscous, wild rice, or coconut cilantro rice.
- Grilled vegetables: asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, corn on the cob, or eggplant skewers.
- Potatoes: roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or potato salad for a heartier choice.
- Sauces and dips: garlic aioli, tzatziki, herbed yogurt sauce, or a squeeze of extra lemon juice with chopped herbs.
- Quick toppings: chopped parsley, cilantro, chives, or a light sprinkle of paprika for color.
- Light desserts to finish: fruit salad, grilled pineapple, or a lemony yogurt parfait.
- Meal prep ideas: Slice the chicken and serve over a grain bowl with veggies. Add a light dressing. Alternatively, pack into meal-prep containers with a side of greens.
- Crowd-pleasing combos: serve with a tangy cucumber-dill salad. Serve with warm pita or flatbread. Add a corn and avocado salsa for extra brightness.
Video
Here are some helpful Tips to guarantee your Mayo Marinated Grilled Chicken in the air fryer turns out delicious:
- Pat the chicken dry: Before marinating the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better to the chicken and promotes better browning.
- Add herbs and spices: Feel free to alter the marinade by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also add spices like cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps to cook the chicken evenly and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Leave space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: To guarantee your chicken is cooked through, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. This ensures it is still juicy. Do not rely solely on visual cues.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute. It ensures a more succulent and flavorful bite.
You can elevate the flavors of your Mayo Marinated Grilled Chicken in the air fryer by adopting these tips. They also enhance the texture. Enjoy your meal!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Mayo Marinated Grilled Chicken:
1) Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay very juicy. They may require a few extra minutes of grilling.
2) Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: For best results, marinate 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) in the fridge. Do not reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken unless you boil it first.
3) Q: Is a mayo-based marinade safe?
A: Yes. Mayo acts as a tenderizer and moisture seal. Just keep the chicken refrigerated while marinating and discard any leftover marinade that contacted raw chicken.
4) Q: Can I bake or pan-sear instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C). If pan-searing, finish in a hot skillet to get a golden crust.
5) Q: What are good add-ins or substitutions?
A: Swap lemon juice for lime. Add paprika or smoked paprika for a deeper smoky note. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. For dairy concerns, you can reduce mayo by half and add a bit of olive oil.
6) Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
7) Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Refrigerate cooked chicken for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
8) Q: Can I freeze marinated chicken?
A: Yes. Freeze the marinating chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
9) Q: I’m dairy-free. Is this okay?
A: You can make a dairy-free version by using a dairy-free mayo substitute. Alternatively, use olive oil in place of some mayo. The texture will still be juicy.
10) Q: How do I prevent the marinade from burning on the grill?
A: Grill over medium heat and keep an eye on flare-ups. If needed, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill or finish Indirectly after searing.
Mayo Marinated Grilled Chicken
Mayo Marinated Grilled Chicken is a delectable dish that combines the creamy richness of mayonnaise with tangy and aromatic spices, resulting in chicken that is not only juicy and tender but also bursting with flavor. The marinade, which includes ingredients like garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, enhances the chicken's natural taste while also helping to keep it moist during the grilling process.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise (buy in Amazon)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tbsp kosher salt
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Trim any remaining fat off your chicken breasts
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight if possible.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake the chicken for 25 - 30 minutes. Check to verify it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Make sure the juices run clear.
- Optionally, you can broil the chicken for a couple of minutes at the end to get a nice golden crust.
Grilling
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side. Cook them until they are done and have nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Air fries the chicken:
- Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 18 - 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time varies based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
Serve:
- Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the Mayo Marinated Grilled Chicken with your favorite side dishes like salad, grilled vegetables, or rice. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry: Before marinating the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better to the chicken and promotes better browning.
- Add herbs and spices: Feel free to alter the marinade by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also add spices like cumin or chili powder for extra flavor.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps to cook the chicken evenly and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Leave space between the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: To guarantee your chicken is cooked through, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. This ensures it is still juicy. Do not rely solely on visual cues.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute. It ensures a more succulent and flavorful bite.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 298Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 649mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 38g
**The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
