Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade is a fresh and flavorful way to prepare juicy, tender chicken. With a bright citrus punch and savory garlic notes, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep. You can cook the marinated chicken on the stovetop or bake it in the oven with minimal fuss.

The image shows a white plate with five slices of grilled chicken breast, each slice layered side by side. The chicken has a golden-brown cooked surface with grill marks, speckled with green herbs and small black char spots. The inner part of the chicken is white and tender-looking. On the bottom left of the plate, there is a bright yellow lemon slice and a sprig of fresh green parsley. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 8-oz boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs)
1/4 cup olive oil (plus 2 tbsp additional if using stovetop method)
1 medium lemon (zested and juiced; approx. 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest, plus optional lemon slices)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and turn to coat evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
Step 3: For the stovetop method, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts in a single layer and sear for 4-8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 162-165°F (72-74°C).
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the pan, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving or slicing.
Step 5: For the oven method, preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, fitting pieces without crowding. Optionally, top each piece with a thin slice of lemon.
Step 6: Bake for 16-22 minutes until the chicken feels firm and reaches an internal temperature of 162-165°F (72-74°C). Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra lemon flavor, add more lemon zest or serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, richer taste.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of Italian seasoning to customize the flavor.
Marinate overnight for deeper infusion of flavors, but no longer than 24 hours to prevent texture changes.
If cooking stovetop, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even searing.

Storage

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to avoid drying out the meat. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows two golden-brown grilled chicken breasts on a white plate, each chicken breast with a slightly charred texture and sprinkled with green chopped herbs. A bright yellow lemon slice is placed on the top left corner of the plate, accompanied by a small green parsley leaf resting on the lemon. The chicken looks juicy with visible seasoning including black pepper and small bits of herbs, resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken for less than 1 hour?

Yes, marinating for 30 minutes can add some flavor, but for best results, marinate at least 1 hour to allow the lemon and garlic to penetrate the chicken.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

You can check doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken—juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink. However, using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, safe chicken every time.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 77 reviews

This Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs infused with a bright and savory blend of lemon juice, garlic, fresh parsley, and Italian seasoning. Marinated for at least an hour and cooked either on the stovetop or baked in the oven, this dish offers a flavorful and healthy protein option perfect for quick dinners or meal prep.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade

1/4 cup Olive oil
2 tbsp Lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
1 tsp Lemon zest
4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp Sea salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper

Main Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each) or 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp Olive oil (additional, for stovetop cooking)
Optional: Lemon slices for topping (when baking)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
Stovetop Cooking Method: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer. Sear and cook each side for 4 to 8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 162-165°F (72-74°C). Remove chicken from pan, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving or slicing.
Oven Cooking Method: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart or barely touching. Optionally, top each piece with a thin slice of lemon. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-22 minutes until the chicken is firm to the touch and reaches an internal temperature of 162-165°F (72-74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer than 1 hour enhances flavor and tenderness.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
For extra zest, add more lemon slices on top when baking.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on dietary preferences.
Can be served hot or cold, making it great for salads or sandwiches.

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, chicken marinade, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken, stovetop chicken, lemon chicken breasts, quick chicken dinner