Elevate your chicken dinners with this zesty and flavorful Lemon Marinade for Chicken, perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. This easy marinade combines the fresh brightness of lemon juice with the richness of olive oil, the sweetness of honey, and the tang of Dijon mustard, all brought to life with aromatic garlic and a medley of spices like oregano, paprika, and black pepper. In just 10 minutes of prep, this marinade infuses your chicken breasts or thighs with a vibrant, citrusy punch, while keeping them tender and juicy. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for even deeper flavor—before cooking to perfection. This versatile recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a special backyard barbecue, offering a deliciously light and tangy protein option the whole family will love!
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard until fully combined.
Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano to the mixture and whisk again to evenly distribute the spices.
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid.
Cook the chicken using your preferred method—grill, bake, or pan-sear—until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve the chicken hot and enjoy with your favorite sides!
Calories |
1984 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 76.1 g | 98% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.6 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 771 mg | 257% | |
| Sodium | 3152 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.3 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.8 g | ||
| Protein | 282.5 g | 565% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.9 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 139 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 2481 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.