Marinades for poultry

Marinades for poultry are flavorful liquid mixtures used to tenderize and infuse chicken, turkey, or duck with taste before cooking. They typically combine an acidic component like citrus juice or vinegar with oil, herbs, spices, and aromatics such as garlic or ginger. This technique is found in cuisines worldwide, from Mediterranean herb-oil blends to Asian soy-based mixtures.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Marinades themselves are low in calories, but they help poultry retain moisture and can add small amounts of healthy fats and antioxidants from ingredients like olive oil and herbs. The primary nutritional benefit comes from the lean protein in the poultry, with the marinade contributing minimal carbs or fat unless sugary or oily components are heavily used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	0.5 g
Carbs	3 g
Fat	3.5 g
Fiber	0.2 g
Sugar	1.5 g
Sodium	480 mg
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	45 mg
Vitamin C	1 mg
Iron	0.3 mg
Calcium	10 mg
Magnesium	5 mg

Per 1/4 cup (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Marinades not only enhance flavor but can also improve the nutritional profile of a meal by reducing the formation of harmful compounds during high-heat cooking. Culturally, they reflect local ingredient availability and culinary traditions, such as using yogurt in South Asian tandoori marinades for its tenderizing lactic acid.