If you live in the US, you probably eat about 118 pounds of chicken each year. And while that’s the national average, chicken gets boring when served the same way. Try this Herb and Garlic Lemon Chicken Marinade for a new way to enjoy a classic protein.
The acid from the lemon juice helps tenderize the chicken meat, while the herbs and spices give it great flavor. Perfect to put on the grill on a warm summer night!
Lemon Chicken Marinade
Chicken is a very versatile (and affordable) protein and we use it frequently in our home. Everything from easy Crockpot meals like chicken in sauce to delicious Italian chopped chicken salad. I especially love marinades because they infuse flavor into the meat to make it taste even better.
This recipe calls for fresh herbs because I have a variety growing in the garden this time of year. Fresh herbs still have the volatile oils intact that give them a more intense flavor. These volatile oils are the same ones you find when purchasing essential oils.
If you only have dried herbs, don’t worry! Dried herbs work too, you may want to let the marinade soak into the meat a little longer. Another tip: have fresh and dried herbs on hand. This way, when you take the spice jar out of the pantry, it will still be fragrant, not powdery or bland tasting. I also like to crush the dried herbs a little in my hand right before using them. This helps release some of those volatile oils (aka more flavor).
What meat is best to use?
Ok, technically this recipe is for lemon garlic chicken marinade, but it’s actually for more than that. You can use it on any cut of chicken: wings, thighs, legs or breast. But it’s also a tasty way to eat other meats. Our family also enjoys it with shrimp, salmon, pork chops, or even roasted vegetables.
How to use lemon chicken marinade
Sometimes I layer the meat on the bottom of a saucepan and pour the marinade over it. Turn halfway through marinating. Or these reusable ZipTop bags work well too. You just want to make sure the marinade comes into close contact with the chicken so all the flavors blend together.
This is a great make-ahead recipe because the chicken can be marinated for up to 24 hours. And the longer you wait, the better the flavor will be. That means putting it together and refrigerating it on Friday for Saturday dinner.
It looks great on the grill and helps the meat not dry out during cooking. It works equally well for grilled chicken or baked lemon chicken. And if you want even more lemon flavor, serve it with fresh lemon slices. I often add a pinch of chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Chicken Marinade with Herbs and Lemon
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 TBSP lemon zest
- 4 nail garlic (chopped)
- 1 TBSP fresh rosemary (chopped or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 TBSP fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 TBSP fresh parsley (chopped or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoonful salt
- ½ teaspoonful black pepper
- 1 teaspoonful Dijon mustard (optional)
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In a glass bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard, if using.
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Place the chicken in a glass container or reusable storage bag and pour the marinade over it. If your bowl is big enough, you can put the chicken in there.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
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Remove chicken from marinade and discard remaining lemon chicken marinade.
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Grill, bake, or sear until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutritional data
Chicken Marinade with Herbs and Lemon
Amount per serving (1 serving)
calories 126
Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated fat 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated fat 10g
Sodium 299mg13%
Potassium 30mg1%
carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugar 0.3g0%
Protein 0.3g1%
vitamin a 135 IU3%
vitamin c 7mg8%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 0.4mg2%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- For more lemon flavor, serve with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- This recipe makes enough for 2 to 3 pounds of chicken or 8 to 12 servings.
What to eat with lemon chicken
There are so many fresh and fun sides. Whether you grow your garden or buy them at the local farmers market, colorful fruits and vegetables abound in the summer. And even if you don’t prepare it in summer, it pairs well with other accompaniments.
Try a classic potato dish or a simple green salad for a quick meal. We also like it with grilled asparagus or sautéed summer squash. Here are some other ideas.
What are some of your favorite ways to eat chicken? Leave a comment and let us know!
