Thanksgiving Chicken Marinades

As a chef, the holidays are a time when I get to unleash my creative side! The two recipes I’m going to share with you today are both last minute holiday ideas I created the night before Thanksgiving!

Our K Creek Ranch pastured chickens make the perfect centerpiece for a memorable feast! Every year I like to try something new whether it be different seasonings, cooking methods, or marinades, and I must say…this year might very well be impossible to top! The shrink wrap bags we use to package our chickens make the perfect marinating bags! Simply cut the zip tie off and pour the marinade in the bag and then coat the juices over the entire bird!

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Balsamic Pesto Marinade

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1/2 cup fresh basil (packed)

1/4 cup herb flavored balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp salt

juice of 1 lime

Blend in either a food process or with an emersion blender and pour over your bird!

Notes: 1) I get my vinegar from Olive destinations in Sioux Falls, SD. I always make sure to get true Italian balsamic because most balsamic vinegar on store shelves are artificially flavored. You most likely will have to find a specialty store in your area to find quality vinegar! For the first recipe I used Olive Destinations Napoleon Herb Balsamic. 2) For the second recipe I used Olive Destinations Orange Infused Olive oil! If you cant find an infused oil you can use regular olive oil and use the zest of one orange.

Orange Infused Rosemary Oil Marinade