Description
This Lemon Garlic Herb Chicken Marinade is a bright and savory mixture designed to tenderize chicken while infusing it with fresh citrus flavors and aromatic herbs. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-cooking, this marinade enhances the natural taste of chicken with lemon, garlic, and a blend of traditional Mediterranean herbs.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Prepare Chicken: Place 2 to 3 pounds of chicken breasts, thighs, or skewers into a zip-top bag or a shallow dish suitable for marinating.
- Apply Marinade: Pour the whisked marinade over the chicken ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly.
- Marinate: Refrigerate and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 8 hours, to let the flavors penetrate and tenderize the meat properly. Avoid exceeding 8 hours as the acid from lemon juice could toughen the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: After marination, remove the chicken from the marinade and cook using your preferred method—grill on medium-high heat until cooked through, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes depending on cut and thickness, or pan-cook over medium heat until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Do not marinate the chicken for more than 8 hours to prevent the acid from lemon juice from toughening the meat.
- This marinade works well with various cuts of chicken, including breasts, thighs, or skewers.
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and freshly minced garlic.
- Total cook time depends on the portion size and cooking method chosen.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies (typically 20-30 minutes when baking or grilling)
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
