If you live in the United States, you probably eat about 118 pounds of chicken every year. Although this is the national average, chicken gets boring when served the same old way. Try this lemon chicken marinade with herbs and garlic for a new way to enjoy Classic protein.
The acid in lemon juice helps tenderize the chicken meat, while the herbs and spices give it great flavor. Perfect for throwing on the grill for a warm summer night!
Lemon chicken marinade
Chicken is a versatile (and affordable) protein and we use it a lot in our house. Everything from easy Crockpot meals Salsa chicken To the delicious Italian Minced chicken salad. I especially love pickles because they flavor the meat for a better taste.
This recipe calls for fresh herbs because I have a variety growing in the garden this time of year. Fresh herbs still contain the volatile oils that give them a more intense flavour. 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 just want to let the marinade soak into the meat a little longer. Another tip: Keep fresh dried herbs on hand. This way, when you pull the spice jar out of the pantry, it’s still fragrant, not dusty or bland. I also like to crush dried herbs in my hands right before use. This helps release some of those volatile oils (aka more flavor).
What meat is best to use?
Well, technically this recipe is for a lemon garlic chicken marinade, but it’s actually more than that. You can use it on any piece of chicken: wings, thighs, legs, or breast. But it’s also a delicious way to eat other meats. Our family also enjoys eating shrimp, salmon, pork chops, Or even grilled vegetables.
How to use lemon chicken marinade
Sometimes I place the meat in the bottom of a casserole dish and pour the marinade over it. Flip halfway through marinating. Or these reusable bags from ZipTop also work well. You just want to make sure the marinade is in close contact with the chicken so all the flavors blend.
This is a great recipe to prepare because the chicken can marinate for up to 24 hours. The longer you wait, the better the flavor. That means putting it together and putting it in the fridge on Friday for dinner on Saturday.
it’s great On the grill It helps the meat not dry out during cooking. It also works with fried chicken or oven-baked lemon chicken. If you want more lemon flavor, serve it with fresh lemon slices. I often add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Chicken marinade with herbs and lemon
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Lemon flavour
- 4 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoon Fresh parsley (chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
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In a bowl or jar, whisk together 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 jar or reusable storage bag and pour the marinade over it. If the mixing bowl is large enough, you can place the chicken in it.
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Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining lemon chicken marinade.
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Grill, bake, or roast the chicken until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition facts
Chicken marinade with herbs and lemon
Amount Per Serving (1 Serving)
Calories 126
Calories from fat 126
% Daily Value*
fat 14 grams22%
Saturated fat 2 grams13%
Polyunsaturated fats 1 gram
Monounsaturated fat 10 grams
Sodium 299 mg13%
Potassium 30 mg1%
Carbohydrates 2 grams1%
Fiber 0.4 grams2%
Sugar 0.3 grams0%
protein 0.3 grams1%
Vitamin A 135 IU3%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 11 mg1%
iron 0.4 mg2%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- For more lemon flavour, serve with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkling of chopped parsley.
- This recipe makes 2-3 pounds of chicken or 8-12 servings.
What to eat with lemon chicken
There are lots of fresh and fun side dishes. Whether you garden or get some from your local farmers market, colorful fruits and vegetables are in abundance in the summer. And even if you don’t make this in the summer, it still pairs well with the other sides.
Try a classic potato casserole 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!
