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Easy Zaxby’s Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe

Zaxby’s Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe

Kimberly Booker RD
When I first had Zaxby’s grilled chicken, I was captivated. Juicy, flavorful, and just the right amount of smoky, it ignited my passion for cooking. I knew that replicating this goodness at home was a challenge worth taking. 
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 291 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • ½ bottle 16 ounces of Italian vinaigrette dressing
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ teaspoon of lemon zest seasoning
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • First, find a work surface to assemble your ingredients. Grab your honey, vinaigrette dressing, lemon zest seasoning, chicken breasts, and salt. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will yield the best results.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the Italian vinaigrette dressing and honey. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved. Next, add the lemon zest seasoning and a pinch of salt. This mixture is the foundation of your marinade.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

  • Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial. Moisture on the surface can hinder the marinade from adhering properly.

Step 4: Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Overnight is even better, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

  • Fire up your grill or grill pan. Heat it to medium-high. This step gets your grill ready for the chicken, ensuring a perfect sear.

Step 6: Grill the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the breasts on the grill. Grill for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Let It Rest

  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality vinegar elevate the flavor.
  • Customize Marinade Time: If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will suffice. But let it marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the chicken. This prevents sticking and ensures a good sear.
  • Monitor Cooking Time: Chicken breasts can overcook quickly. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
  • Experiment with Cut Sizes: Thicker breasts may require more cooking time. You can also pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 234gCalories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 51gFat: 5.9gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 139mgSugar: 5g
Keyword Zaxby’s Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe
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