The Ultimate Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction: The Zesty Lemon & Herb Chicken Marinade
- Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Chicken Going!
- Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps
- The Magic: Step-by-Step Process
- Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Marinade Recipe
- Recipe Notes: Your Questions Answered
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: The Zesty Lemon & Herb Chicken Marinade
Fancy jazzing up your chicken? Of course you do! I'm about to share my absolute go-to Chicken Marinade . Seriously, this Best chicken marinade recipe is a game changer.
It's packed with flavour and so simple, even I can't mess it up and I'm known for my kitchen mishaps.
Why This Marinade Rocks
Think sunshine and fresh herbs. That's what this Lemon herb chicken marinade is all about. It's Mediterranean inspired, so picture yourself on a Greek island while you're chowing down.
It only takes about 10 minutes to throw together, plus some marinating time of course. This recipe makes enough Lime Chicken Marinade For The Grill for four servings perfect for a family dinner or impressing your mates.
Taste the Goodness
This Homemade chicken marinade is not just delicious; it's secretly good for you. Lemon and herbs are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Serve this up with a fresh salad for a healthy and flavourful meal. Honestly, it elevates your chicken to something special.
The lemon adds a zing , the herbs add earthy notes, and the touch of honey balances it all out.
You know, I once tried to make a fancy marinade with like, fifteen different ingredients. It was a total flop.
This Easy chicken marinade taught me that simple is often best. You can use it on chicken breasts or thighs ( Lime Chicken Marinade For Chicken Thighs is particularly lush), and it's just amazing Grilled chicken marinade .
Ready to Get Started?
Alright, let's get this show on the road. Next up, we're talking ingredients and trust me, you probably already have most of them in your cupboard.
And believe me, you'll be amazed with this Overnight chicken marinade , that will infuse incredible flavors on your grill.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Chicken Going!
Right then, let's dive into what you'll need for this lemon herb chicken marinade . Honestly, it's dead simple. I've tweaked this recipe over years, trying to create the best chicken marinade recipe .
This is what I’ve got! You might have most of this stuff already, which is even better, innit?
Main Ingredients: Measurements & Quality
For the actual chicken marinade , grab these bits. It's crucial to be precise, especially with the citrus for that Lime Chicken Marinade for Chicken Thighs flavor.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil. Don't skimp! Good quality olive oil makes a difference.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled stuff just isn't the same. Fresh lemons = happy chicken!
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) low sodium soy sauce. This adds some umami.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey (or maple syrup if you're feeling fancy).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh herbs, chopped. Rosemary, thyme, oregano - whatever you've got going on.
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) lemon zest, finely grated. This is key for that lemon flavour.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) freshly ground black pepper.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) red pepper flakes (optional). For a little kick!
- A pinch of salt.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( approx. 6 oz/170g each ) OR 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ( approx. 4 oz/115g each ).
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
Essential bits here are the lemon, garlic and herbs. I reckon a Mediterranean chicken marinade needs those.
If you’re after a Lime Chicken Marinade for the Grill , you can add a touch of lime zest too.
For that perfect chicken breast marinade , experiment with different herbs. Thyme and rosemary are my personal favourites! If you need an easy chicken marinade , just use dried herbs! It's not the same, but it'll work.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
Honestly, you don't need much fancy equipment for this homemade chicken marinade .
- A mixing bowl. Obvs.
- A whisk. Get those flavors dancing together.
- A zester or fine grater. For the lemon zest.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A resealable plastic bag or airtight container. For marinating.
See? Nothing too scary! Now, time to get marinating! I sometimes prep my grilled chicken marinade the night before, so it's ready to go after work the next day.
Consider it for your overnight chicken marinade , the best chicken marinade recipe is calling you!
Alright, let's chat about nailing the perfect Chicken Marinade . Honestly, it’s easier than making toast if you've got a decent toaster.
This Lime Chicken Marinade For The Grill recipe is my go-to. It's proper lush, even my fussy mother-in-law enjoys it.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Prep Steps
Right then, mise en place is posh for "get everything ready". Chop your herbs, mince that garlic, and squeeze the lemons.
It makes the whole process smoother than a baby's bum. Prep saves time! Always does. Keep raw chicken away from everything else.
Nobody wants salmonella for tea, do they?
The Magic: step-by-step Process
This easy chicken marinade is so simple it's criminal.
- Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil , 1/4 cup lemon juice , 2 tablespoons soy sauce , 2 tablespoons honey , 2 minced garlic cloves , 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs , 1 teaspoon lemon zest , 1/2 teaspoon black pepper , and a pinch of salt .
- Pop your 4 chicken breasts or thighs into a bag.
- Pour the marinade over your chicken, making sure it is well coated
- Seal it up and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2- 4 hours for max flavour) or overnight .
- Cook the chicken until it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Make sure it's cooked proper.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Marinade Recipe
Pound the chicken breasts a bit. It cooks evenly. Don't overdo the marinating 24 hours is the max.
Trust me, it goes mushy if left too long. It's a right disaster. You can prep the homemade chicken marinade the day before! Store it in the fridge, job done.
Also, this marinade is the ideal Grilled chicken marinade .
I made this once for a barbecue and everyone raved about it. Someone even asked for the recipe! It's a fantastic Lemon herb chicken marinade .
You can even use Lime Chicken Marinade For Chicken Thighs , works a treat! This Chicken Breast Marinade will transform your cooking.
So there you have it! A super easy Mediterranean chicken marinade recipe that anyone can master. Give it a bash and let me know what you think.
You will thank me later, I promise.
Recipe Notes: Your Questions Answered
Right, so you've got the Ultimate Zesty Lemon & Herb Chicken Marinade recipe. Ace! But what about the nitty gritty? Let's dive in, shall we? Honestly, these are the questions I always ask myself when I'm trying something new.
Fab Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters, innit? For a posh look, slice the grilled chicken breast marinade and fan it over a bed of rocket.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze? Chef's kiss! If you're feeling casual, chop it up for tacos or a cracking salad.
On the side, think Mediterranean quinoa, some roasted veg, or even just a simple side salad. A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc goes down a treat, too.
Smart Storage Tips
So, leftovers? We've all been there. Cooked chicken will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days . Pop it in an airtight container.
If you're thinking longer term, freezing is your mate. Freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months. Make sure it's properly wrapped to avoid freezer burn, yeah? To reheat, the oven's best for staying moist.
175 degrees C until heated through.
Wicked Variations
Fancy a change? Go Lime Chicken Marinade for Chicken Thighs by swapping lemon for lime. Boom! For a gluten-free option, ditch the soy sauce and grab some tamari.
Vegetarian? This works a treat with halloumi. Honestly, it's banging. For a fiery kick, add some red pepper flakes. An Asian spin with ginger and sesame oil? Don't mind if I do!
Basic Nutrition
Okay, let's keep it real. This recipe is a good source of protein. Each serving clocks in around 300-350 calories.
It's also a decent shout for healthy fats thanks to the olive oil. The lemon and herbs bring vitamins and antioxidants.
Obviously, these are guesstimates. Check the label for exact numbers based on what you use.
So, there you have it. Everything you need to make this Lemon herb chicken marinade a total winner. Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own.
You've got this! Remember, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Steve Jobs.
Now get in the kitchen and have some fun with this amazing Chicken Marinade ! Let me know how it goes!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavour? Can you over marinate?
For this zesty lemon & herb chicken marinade, aim for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate. Ideally, 2-4 hours is the sweet spot for a really flavourful piece of chicken.
However, be careful not to over marinate anything beyond 24 hours can result in the chicken becoming a bit mushy, a bit like soggy bottom on the Great British Bake Off... Nobody wants that!
Can I use this Chicken Marinade on other types of meat, or is it strictly for chicken?
While this marinade is designed with chicken in mind, its bright and herby flavours also work wonders on pork chops or even firm white fish like cod or halibut. Just keep in mind that the marinating time might need adjusting; fish requires a much shorter marinating time (around 30 minutes) to avoid it becoming too soft.
Think of it as a flexible flavour base - a bit like gravy, works on everything, but better suited for some dishes!
I'm trying to watch my sodium intake. Is there a way to reduce the sodium in this chicken marinade recipe?
Absolutely! The soy sauce is the main source of sodium, so swapping it for a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari is a great start. You can also reduce the amount slightly and compensate with a little extra lemon juice or herbs to maintain the flavour balance.
Remember to taste as you go and adjust the salt accordingly; a little goes a long way!
How long does leftover marinated chicken last in the fridge, and can I freeze the Chicken Marinade with the chicken?
Uncooked chicken that has been marinating is safe to store in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is your best bet! You can freeze the chicken in the marinade; this actually helps to further infuse the flavours as it thaws.
Just make sure to use a freezer safe bag or container and consume within 3 months for optimal quality. Let it thaw in the fridge completely before cooking.
Can I bake the chicken using this Chicken Marinade recipe? What temperature and cooking time do you recommend?
You certainly can! Baking is a great way to cook chicken marinated in this zesty blend. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
A bit like when you're brewing a cuppa, you can adjust the time a tad so you're not over or under, baking. Just makes sure it hits that 165°F (74°C) or the boys down at environmental health might get a bit upset, alright?
The Ultimate Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 325 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 1g |