Lemon Garlic Marinade for Chicken Recipe
This vibrant Lemon Garlic Marinade recipe brings together fresh lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and garlic to create a flavorful marinade perfect for chicken thighs or breasts. The marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with bright, savory notes, making it ideal for baking or grilling. Whether you want a quick 30-minute soak or an overnight marination, this recipe adapts easily and can even be frozen with raw chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (average, varies by cut and cooking method)
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including minimum marination time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano (or 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein
- 2 lb chicken thighs or chicken breasts (boneless or bone-in)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sea salt, pepper, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken pieces in a shallow bowl or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning pieces to coat evenly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
- Bake the chicken (option 1). Transfer the chicken with the marinade into a shallow baking dish. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes for boneless thighs, 20-25 minutes for breasts, or 35-40 minutes for bone-in thighs until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Grill the chicken (option 2). Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on a medium-heat grill. Cook boneless thighs for about 10 minutes, breasts for 18-22 minutes, and bone-in thighs for 30-35 minutes using indirect heat, turning as needed for even cooking.
- Freeze chicken with marinade (optional). Place raw chicken in freezer-safe bags and pour the marinade over it. Seal and squish the bag gently to coat all pieces. Freeze for later use.
- Share your creation. After preparing and enjoying the dish, take a photo and share it in the comments section to connect and inspire others!
Notes
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice ensures the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch but with reduced brightness.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination significantly enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Bone-in pieces require longer cooking times; always check internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- If grilling bone-in chicken, use indirect heat to avoid flare-ups and ensure thorough cooking.
- The marinade can be used for other proteins such as pork or vegetables as well.
- When freezing, use high-quality freezer bags to minimize freezer burn and preserve flavor.
Keywords: lemon garlic marinade, chicken marinade, baked chicken, grilled chicken, Mediterranean chicken, herb marinade, easy chicken recipe
Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/lemon-garlic-marinade-for-chicken-recipe/