Chicken can be a delicious and versatile ingredient for many meals. However, it often requires tenderizing before cooking to make it more tender and flavorful. There are several methods you can use to quickly tenderize chicken so it’s ready to cook and serve.
Why Tenderize Chicken?
Chicken breast especially tends to be lean and can easily turn out stringy and dry when cooked. Tenderizing helps break down the tough muscle fibers in the meat so that it cooks up juicier and more tender. It allows seasonings and marinades to better penetrate the chicken as well. Overall, proper tenderizing makes a big difference in the texture and flavor of chicken.
Tenderizing Methods
Here are some of the most effective options for quickly tenderizing chicken:
Use a Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
One of the fastest ways to tenderize chicken is by taking a meat mallet, meat pounder, or rolling pin and pounding the chicken. This helps break down the tough muscle fibers. Simply place the chicken breasts or other cuts between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a plastic bag. Pound the chicken evenly using moderate force until it’s about 1/2-inch thick.
Marinate in an Acidic Ingredient
Marinating chicken in an acidic ingredient such as vinegar, lemon juice, buttermilk, or yogurt helps tenderize it. The acid slightly breaks down the proteins. This allows seasonings to better permeate the meat as well. You can marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight for maximum effect.
Use a Baking Soda Solution
Soaking chicken in a baking soda solution is an easy tenderizing trick. The alkaline baking soda helps breakdown collagen proteins. To use this method, dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 cup of cold water. Place the chicken in the solution and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Sprinkle Meat Tenderizer
Look for meat tenderizer powder or seasoning blends in the spice aisle. These contain enzymes from papaya or pineapple that help break down tough tissues. Coat the chicken evenly with the tenderizer and let sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking. A little goes a long way, so follow package directions.
Tips for Tenderizing Chicken
Keep these tips in mind for the most tender, flavorful results:
- Trim off any excess fat or sinew which can toughen the texture.
- Choose younger chickens rather than more mature ones when possible.
- Avoid over-tenderizing. This can lead to mushy texture.
- Let marinated chicken rest 5-10 minutes before cooking so the acids don’t turn it mushy.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking so it browns nicely.
Quick Chicken Tenderizing Recipes
15 Minute Buttermilk Ranch Chicken
The buttermilk in this recipe helps tenderize the chicken in just 15 minutes. Ranch seasoning adds zesty flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2″ thickness
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Place chicken in a gallon size ziplock bag and pour over the buttermilk. Seal bag and massage buttermilk into the chicken. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk and sprinkle evenly with the ranch seasoning. Discard excess buttermilk.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Cook chicken 6-8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Serve warm.
Lemon Pepper Chicken
The acidity from lemon juice tenderizes the chicken in this simple 30 minute marinade. The pepper adds vibrance.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a gallon size ziplock bag, combine lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, pepper and salt.
- Add chicken and smoosh around to coat. Marinate 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Drain chicken from marinade and discard excess. Sprinkle chicken with extra cracked pepper.
- Broil chicken 6 minutes per side until cooked through. Serve over rice or salad.
Baking Soda and Honey Chicken
The baking soda tenderizes while the honey keeps the chicken juicy and infuses sweet flavor in this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine baking soda with 1 cup cold water. Add chicken and let soak 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, salt and pepper. Remove chicken from baking soda solution and pat dry.
- Add chicken to honey mixture and turn to coat all over. Let marinate 15 minutes more.
- Grill or pan fry chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through and glazed.
Common Questions
How long does it take to tenderize chicken?
Most quick chicken tenderizing methods take 15-30 minutes. Marinades need 30 minutes up to overnight. Pounding takes just a few minutes. Look for the chicken to feel more supple and flexible when properly tenderized.
Can I over-tenderize chicken?
Yes, it’s possible to make the chicken overly soft and mushy with aggressive tenderizing. Avoid pounding too hard or marinating longer than 12 hours. Test a piece of chicken for texture before cooking the rest if unsure.
What is the easiest way to tenderize chicken?
The simplest method is to soak chicken in an acidic marinade ingredient like buttermilk, yogurt or lemon juice for 30 minutes. No special tools needed. The acids partially break down the proteins.
How can you tell if chicken is tenderized?
Signs chicken is properly tenderized include:
- Soft and supple texture
- Meat feels less stiff and dense
- Marinades or seasonings have visibly penetrated the meat
- Chicken is easier to cut through with a knife
Can I pound chicken too thin?
Yes, over-pounding can make the chicken uneven and overly thin in some spots. Strive for an even thickness of around 1/2 inch. Avoid pounding any thinner than 1/4 inch or the chicken may dry out and cook unevenly.
| Tenderizing Method | Prep Time | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Meat mallet/rolling pin | 5 minutes | Physically breaks down tough fibers |
| Marinade with acid | 30 min – overnight | Acid helps break down proteins |
| Baking soda soak | 15-30 minutes | Alkaline baking soda softens collagen |
| Meat tenderizer | 10-15 minutes | Enzymes help break down tissue |
Conclusion
Tenderizing is an essential step to ensure chicken turns out juicy, flavorful and enjoyable to eat. Luckily, there are several fast and easy methods to tenderize chicken in just minutes. Techniques like pounding, marinating in acid, or using a baking soda solution can significantly improve the texture of chicken. Follow these simple tricks to lift your chicken dishes to new heights.