Kiwi Marinade for Chicken

A chicken marinade using Kiwi? You gotta be kiwiing us!

Guys, we thought the same thing! But last week, we had the pleasure of recording a podcast episode with our good friend Nicole (@itsnicolejaques). We talked about health, food, love, family and everything in between. During our discussion, Nicole mentioned that she often adds kiwi to her steak marinades, as the fruit contains an enzyme called actinidin. The enzyme breaks down proteins, which helps to tenderize meat by breaking down its connective tissues.

Our mind was blown, but more importantly, our creative juices were flowing. We knew we HAD to try and make a chicken marinade using this new-found knowledge, so we got to work and put our own spin on this brilliant idea. The outcome was even better than we could have imagined. This Kiwi Marinade will give you the juiciest, fall-off-the-bone tender chicken you will ever taste. We promise you, this will become your summer grilling obsession!

What stands out

This Kiwi Marinade for Chicken requires only a few ingredients, a food processor or blender, and 10 minutes of your time! While the kiwi takes care of the tenderizing, the sour cream adds an extra layer of depth and keeps the chicken juicy throughout the cooking process. The result is a blend of sweet, tangy and savory flavors and the most tender melt-in-your-mouth meat. Beware – this marinade will become your secret weapon!

How to Prepare Kiwi Marinade for Chicken

Puree one peeled kiwi in a food processor.

Add olive oil, seasonings, and sour cream to the puree.

Pour the creamy marinade over the chicken in a big bowl.

Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 425F (220C).

Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish.

Bake for 45-60 minutes until fully cooked.

Optional: crisp up the skin under the broiler for 5-10 minutes, but watch it closely.

Serve warm or cold on salads, wraps, in bowls, or on its own with your choice of side. Enjoy your Kiwi Marinade for Chicken!

Kitchen tip

Be sure that you evenly coat the chicken with the marinade. After pouring the creamy marinade over the chicken in the bowl, use your hands or a pair of tongs to massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring that every piece is well coated.

Swaps

This refreshing and tenderizing Kiwi Marinade for chicken definitely works on other meats too. You can also adjust the marinade for your dietary needs. Be sure to let us know in the comments how you make it your own! Remember if you are changing or adding ingredients you may have to experiment and adjust the quantities.

1. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the marinade. For example, you could add garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a more savory or spicy marinade.
2. Add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
3. Instead of baking the marinated chicken, you could grill it for a smokier flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer dairy-free options, you can substitute the sour cream with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
5. Keep in mind that this marinade can be used on other types of meat like beef, pork, lamb, etc. – just be sure to adjust the cooking/grilling time accordingly.

Serve it with

• Steamed white or brown rice, or a hearty grain like quinoa or bulgur
• Roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, or even our favorite Bacon Brussels Sprouts
• Dinner rolls or crusty bread like our No Knead Peasant Bread
• Your favorite pasta and then toss it with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs for a simple yet complement to the Kiwi Marinade for Chicken

Questions

What type of salt do you use?

We use mark Redmond Real Salt, please note that depending on the salt you use, your dish may be less or more salty. Salt is to taste so please always taste and adjust as you cook.

How can we make sure our meat is fully cooked?

If you don’t feel confident, you can most definitely use a mark meat thermometer to check and ensure that your meat has reached the correct internal temperature.

Can we make this in the air-fryer?

Yes, you can make Kiwi Marinade for Chicken in the air fryer, but be sure to check your air fryer settings and cook times. Almost anything that can be made in the oven can be made in the air fryer because the air fryer is just a mini convection oven that circulates air.

Can we use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can definitely use any cut of meat of choice but make sure you cook it accordingly because chicken breast has less cook time than thighs. If chicken breast is overcooked, it will dry out so you will have to adjust the timing based on the cut of meat you choose.

Can i use this marinade on other types of meat?

You can use this marinade on other types of meat like beef, pork, lamb, etc. – just be sure to adjust the cooking/grilling time accordingly.

Ingredients

Makes 3 servings

• 6 chicken thighs, bone in and skin on
• 1 whole kiwi, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons sour cream, or plain yogurt

Equipment

• Large Food Processor
• Redmond Real Salt
• Nakiri Knife
• Brownie Dish
• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Mixing Bowls

Method

1. In a food processor, puree one peeled kiwi. Open the lid and add the olive oil, seasonings and sour cream.
2. Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the creamy marinade over it.
3. Let it sit for a minimum of 1 hour (or overnight).
4. Once marinated, preheat the oven to 425F (220C).
5. Transfer the chicken into a baking dish and cook for 45-60 minutes or until fully cooked.
6. Feel free to crisp up the skin the last 5-10 minutes on broil (top burner only) but keep a close eye on it.
7. Enjoy this dish on salads, wraps, bowls, or as a standalone meal with your favorite side.