Looking for a quick and flavorful way to transform plain chicken? This Instant Lemon-Herb Chicken Marinade is ready in just 1 minute with 5 simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
Bursting with fresh citrus, garlic, and herbs, this marinade guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken—whether you grill, bake, or pan-sear it. Perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or healthy family dinners.
Chicken | One-Pan | Weeknight Dinner | Marinade
Table of contents:
How to Make Instant Lemon-Herb Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
This makes enough to marinade 2 chicken breasts.
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 tbsp Dried Oregano
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Equipment needed
- Large bowl
- Plastic Food Wrap
- Wooden Cutting Board
- Ceramic Garlic Grater Plate
- Chef Knife
- Lemon Juicer (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk or shake well until emulsified.
- Pour over chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-searing until fully cooked and golden.
👉 Tip: Use this marinade for chicken, seafood, vegetables, or even tofu for a fresh, zesty twist!
Cooking Tips
- For extra juiciness: Marinate chicken overnight.
- For balanced flavor: Add a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard.
- For variety: Swap lemon for lime or orange for a citrus twist.
- Use a Meat thermometer to check the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, excludes chicken)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | %DV* |
| Calories | ~85 kcal | 4% |
| Total Fat | 7 g | 9% |
| – Saturated Fat | 1 g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 60 mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3 g | 1% |
| – Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% |
| – Total Sugars | 0.5 g | — |
| Protein | 0.5 g | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg | 13% |
| Vitamin A | 120 IU | 2% |
| Calcium | 15 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.3 mg | 2% |
*Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.tual nutrition may vary depending on chicken size, olive oil absorption, caper brand, and portioning.
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Instant Lemon-Herb Chicken Marinade (5 Ingredients, 1 Minute Prep!) 🍋
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Plastic food wrap
- Wooden Cutting Board
- Ceramic Garlic Grater Plate
- Chef Knife
- Lemon Juicer (optional)
Ingredients
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 2 tbsp Dried Oregano
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.Juice and zest of 1 large lemon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2-3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp Dried Oregano, Salt & black pepper
- Whisk or shake well until emulsified.
- Pour over chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-searing until fully cooked and golden.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
- For extra juiciness: Marinate chicken overnight.
- For balanced flavor: Add a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard.
- For variety: Swap lemon for lime or orange for a citrus twist.
- Use a Meat thermometer to check the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F.
FAQS
What is the quick process to make the Instant Lemon-Herb Chicken Marinade?
To make the marinade, combine lemon juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl or jar and whisk or shake until emulsified. Then, pour over the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Can I marinate chicken for longer than 24 hours?
It is recommended to marinate chicken for up to 24 hours for best flavor and safety. Marinating for longer does not typically improve flavor and may affect the texture.
What types of chicken cuts are suitable for this marinade?
This marinade is suitable for chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. It can also be used for other proteins like seafood, vegetables, or tofu for a flavorful twist.
What are some cooking methods recommended for this marinade?
The marinated chicken can be cooked by grilling, baking, or pan-searing until fully cooked and golden. Using a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 74°C or 165°F ensures safety.
Are there any tips for enhancing the flavor or juiciness of the chicken?
For extra juiciness, marinate the chicken overnight. To enhance flavor, add a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard, or swap lemon for lime or orange for a citrus variation.
