Perfect Marinades and Sauces for Shredded Chicken: Elevating the Flavors
Shredded chicken is a versatile dish loved by many, but the secret to transforming it from good to extraordinary lies in the marinade and sauces used. And you already know: to get the perfect shredded chicken, use our DFC Line chicken and meat shredders.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of marinades and sauces that can elevate the flavor of your shredded chicken to new heights.
1. Classic Garlic and Herb Marinade
A simple marinade of garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme and sage), olive oil, salt and pepper can infuse chicken with rich, aromatic flavors. Marinating the chicken before cooking it ensures that it absorbs these flavors, resulting in a juicy and tasty meat after it has been shredded.
In a bowl, mix the crushed garlic with the olive oil.
Add the chopped fresh herbs.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
3. Use:
Place the chicken in the marinade, making sure all parts are covered.
Leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours for more intense flavors.
Done! Your classic garlic and herb marinade is ready to turn your chicken into an aromatic delight.
2. Homemade barbecue sauce
A homemade barbecue sauce, with its perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and a smoky touch, is a classic that never fails. Combine tomatoes, vinegar, honey and Worcestershire sauce for a sauce that perfectly complements shredded chicken, whether on sandwiches or as a main course.
How to prepare
1. Ingredients:
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup honey or molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2. Preparation:
In a saucepan, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar and honey/maple syrup.
Add the Worcestershire sauce.
Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble gently.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Use:
Let the sauce cool before using.
Drizzle generously over shredded chicken or use as a side sauce.
This homemade barbecue sauce adds the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity and a smoky touch to your barbecue dishes.
3. Lemon and chili marinade
For a fresher, spicier flavor, a lemon and pepper marinade is ideal. The acid from the lemon not only tenderizes the meat, but also adds a vibrant citrus flavor, while the pepper brings a subtle heat. This marinade is particularly good for summer dishes or shredded chicken salads.
How to prepare
1. Ingredients:
Juice of 2 large lemons
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
2. Preparation:
In a bowl, mix the lemon juice with the olive oil.
Add the crushed garlic and black pepper.
Season with salt to taste.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Use:
Place the chicken in the marinade, making sure it is completely covered.
Leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor.
This lemon and chilli marinade is perfect for adding a fresh and spicy touch to your chicken, ideal for grilling or roasting.
4. Teriyaki sauce
Teriyaki sauce, with its characteristic sweetness and umami, offers a completely different flavor profile. Soy, sake, mirin and sugar form the basis of this sauce, which can be used both to marinate and to coat shredded chicken, providing a delicious Asian touch.
How to prepare
1. Ingredients:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 crushed garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
2. Preparation:
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, crushed garlic and grated ginger.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
To thicken the sauce, separately mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and add to the pan.
Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 2 to 3 minutes).
3. Use:
Let the sauce cool before using.
Use as a marinade for chicken or as a sauce to finish dishes.
This homemade teriyaki sauce brings a sweet, umami flavor, perfect for adding an Asian touch to your shredded chicken or other dishes.
5. Yogurt and Spice Marinade
A yogurt-based marinade, combined with spices such as cumin, coriander, ginger and garlic, can tenderize chicken while infusing it with rich, complex flavours. This approach is common in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, perfect for a shredded chicken that will be served with rice or in wraps.
How to prepare
1. Ingredients:
1 cup natural yogurt
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
In a large bowl, mix the yogurt with the garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger and turmeric.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir well until all the ingredients are well combined.
Use:
Place the chicken in the marinade, making sure it is completely covered.
Leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight to intensify the flavors.
This yogurt and spice marinade is perfect for chicken, offering a rich, complex flavor with a touch of creaminess from the yogurt, ideal for grilling or roasting.
6. Basil Pesto
A fresh pesto sauce, made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese and olive oil, can be a vibrant and herbaceous accompaniment to shredded chicken. It’s an exceptional choice for Italian dishes or as a tasty additive to sandwiches.
How to prepare
1. Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2. Preparation:
Place the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic and Parmesan cheese in a food processor or blender.
Pulse until the ingredients are well blended.
With the machine running, add the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto reaches the desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and pulse a few more times to blend.
3. Use:
Use the pesto immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Excellent for adding flavor to chicken dishes, pasta, sandwiches and salads.
This basil pesto is an easy and delicious way to add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to a variety of dishes.
7. Mango and chili sauce
For a bolder, more exotic option, a mango chili sauce brings a balance of sweetness and heat. The ripe mango provides the natural sweetness, while the chili peppers add a spicy touch. This sauce is perfect with shredded chicken served in tacos or salads.
How to prepare
1. Ingredients:
1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 fresh red pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
Salt to taste
2. Preparation:
Combine the mango, red pepper, apple cider vinegar and honey/sugar in a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and homogeneous.
Taste and adjust the salt as necessary.
3. Use:
Use the sauce immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Perfect with shredded chicken, tacos, salads or as a different sauce for appetizers.
This mango and chili sauce brings a delicious combination of sweetness and spiciness, ideal for adding an exotic touch to various dishes.
Conclusion
The beauty of shredded chicken lies in its ability to adapt to a variety of flavors. Experimenting with different marinades and sauces can completely transform your dish, providing new gastronomic experiences. So the next time you prepare shredded chicken, don’t forget to try these marinade and sauce ideas to enhance its flavors!
Would you like to get in contact with Orved Brock to know more about the patented meat and chicken shredders? Reach us via phone: +55 85 98793-6777, e-mail: vendas@orvedbrock.com.br or whatsapp.
