Easy Lemon Chicken Marinade
- PREP 10min
- TOTAL 10min
We love this simple chicken marinade! It is incredibly versatile and works for all cuts of chicken, turkey, pork, fish, shrimp, tofu, and vegetables.
We recommend a maximum marinating time of 2 hours for chicken breasts. Still, all other cuts of chicken can marinate for longer, even overnight.
To marinate something more delicate like fish, you only need 30 minutes to an hour. You can also use this to baste while cooking or grilling. If you plan to do this, set aside some of the prepared marinade for basting.
**This makes enough to marinate 2 to 3 pounds of chicken.
You Will Need
Zest of 1 lemon, peeled or finely grated
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice, from 1 to 2 lemons
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you like things
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, cilantro, basil, or a combination, optional
Directions
Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until the salt has dissolved. Stir in the garlic, lemon zest, and herbs (if using). Refrigerate and use within 1 to 2 hours.
Add the marinade and chicken to a resealable food-safe bag or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Since this is so flavorful, even 30 minutes will work wonders.
Don’t marinate too long because the lemon can make the chicken tough. Marinate thighs, drumsticks, and bone-in for up to 12 hours. Marinate boneless chicken breasts for a maximum of 2 hours.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- To turn into a salad dressing: Increase the olive oil to 1/4 cup and whisk until blended. Refrigerate for 1 hour, then discard the garlic and lemon zest. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt. Add a sprinkle of sugar or a little honey to balance the acidity and the mustard.
- Nutrition Facts: The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have used the USDA database to calculate approximate values.