Lemon Garlic Marinade Chicken
This zesty lemon garlic marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a juicy, flavor-packed meal ready in minutes. Fresh lemon juice tenderizes, garlic deepens flavor, and olive oil locks in moisture — perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing any night of the week.
Equipment
- mixing bowl or resealable bag
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- grill, pan, or oven
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 fresh lemons, juice and zest
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1.5 tsp dried Italian herbs (or thyme, sage as a twist)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste kosher salt and cracked black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or resealable bag, combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, and seasonings.
- Pat chicken dry and add it to the marinade, coating thoroughly for even flavor.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook using your preferred method: pan-fry (4–5 min per side), bake (400°F for 25–30 min), grill (5–6 min per side), or air fry (375°F for 12–15 min).
- Brush with leftover marinade during cooking for extra flavor (if safe and unused). Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Marinate at least 30 minutes for quick flavor, or overnight for maximum tenderness. Discard used marinade to ensure food safety. Double the recipe for meal prep — leftovers make excellent wraps, salads, or rice bowls. Try global variations with Dijon, sage, or chili for exciting twists.