Looking for a flavorful and easy marinade recipe to take your chicken to the next level? Look no further than this Lemon Garlic Marinade! Packed with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and garlic, this marinade is perfect for grilling or baking your chicken to perfection. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a backyard BBQ, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of fresh lemon juice, herbs, and garlic creates a delicious and vibrant marinade that infuses your chicken with amazing flavor.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this marinade ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This marinade is perfect for marinating chicken ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prep throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but you can also use store-bought lemon juice.
- Olive oil: Helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a rich flavor to the marinade.
- Fresh herbs: Oregano, thyme, and rosemary add a burst of freshness to the marinade, but you can also use dried Italian seasoning as a substitute.
- Salt and pepper: Season the marinade with sea salt and pepper for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic element to the marinade.
- Chicken thighs or breast: Use your preferred cut of chicken for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Place the chicken in a shallow bowl or baking dish and pour the marinade over the top, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Cook the chicken by baking in a preheated oven or grilling over medium heat until cooked through.
- Optional: Freeze the marinated chicken for later use by storing in freezer bags.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight for maximum taste.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for an added burst of citrus.
- Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- To save time, prepare a double batch of the marinade and freeze half for later use.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Pierce the chicken with a fork before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for juicy and tender meat.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a delicious meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result. - Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with pork, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. - How long can I freeze the marinated chicken?
You can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months for future use.
Conclusion:
Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this delicious Lemon Garlic Marinade recipe. Whether you’re grilling up a feast for friends or meal prepping for the week, this flavorful marinade is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
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Lemon Garlic Marinade Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking, Grilling
Description
This Lemon Garlic Marinade Recipe is a flavorful and easy way to marinate chicken for a delicious meal. The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a zesty and aromatic marinade that elevates the taste of the chicken.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
- 2 tablespoons minced thyme
- 2 tablespoons minced rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 lb chicken thighs or breast
Instructions
- Combine the marinade: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and garlic in a bowl.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Bake or grill the chicken: Follow the specified cooking times and temperatures for the type of chicken used.
- Optional: Freeze the chicken: Place chicken in freezer bags with marinade and freeze.
- Final step: Share a picture of the cooked dish and enjoy!
Notes
- For a quicker marinade, you can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer marinating time will enhance the flavor.
- This marinade can also be used for other protein options like tofu or shrimp.