Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade Recipe
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.
- 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
Find it online: https://zarameals.com/lemon-garlic-chicken-marinade-recipe/
