The Ultimate Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade

Q: Help! I've made too much marinade. Can I store leftover chicken marinade?

If the marinade has *not* been in contact with raw chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can then use it as a salad dressing or drizzle it over cooked chicken or vegetables. However, if the marinade has touched raw chicken, you *must* discard it to avoid any food safety risks. No one wants a case of the dodgy tummy!

Ultimate Chicken Marinade Recipe Lemon Herb Magic

By Amara Vitalis September 27, 2025

5.00 (2 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Level Up Your Chicken Game

Ever get bored of the same old chicken dinners? Honestly, me too! That's why I'm sharing my go-to chicken marinade recipe .

It turns boring chicken into a flavour bomb. Get ready for juicy chicken recipe perfection!

A Taste of Sunshine: Lemon Herb Chicken

This Mediterranean chicken marinade brings the taste of the sunny coast to your table. It's a simple blend of lemon, herbs, and garlic. This marinade infuses your chicken with an irresistible flavour.

This recipe is inspired by the sunny flavors of Italy. It is easy and quick. It yields four to six servings. Perfect for a family dinner, or a simple gathering with friends.

Why This Marinade Rocks

This easy chicken marinade isn't just about the taste. Olive oil offers healthy fats, and lemon boosts your vitamin C.

Serve this garlic herb chicken marinade at your next barbecue. You'll be the star. This best chicken marinade recipe is special because it creates restaurant quality chicken.

Now, let's dive into the ingredients, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment: The Magic Behind the Juicy Chicken Recipe

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to nail this best chicken marinade recipe . No fancy pants stuff, I promise. It's all about simple ingredients working together.

Think of it as a band, where each member brings something unique to the table. This garlic herb chicken marinade is going to be amazing!

Main Players: From Chicken to Lemon

Chicken: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Quality chicken makes all the difference. Look for chicken that's pink and plump, not pale or slimy.
Olive Oil: 120 ml (1/2 cup) extra virgin. It's the base, so use good stuff.
Lemon Juice: 60 ml (1/4 cup) , freshly squeezed from about 2 medium lemons. Bottled juice just isn't the same.
Lemon Zest: 2 tablespoons . This is where the lemon really shines.
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't be shy, garlic is your friend.
Rosemary: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped. Or 2 teaspoons dried.
Thyme: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped. Or 2 teaspoons dried.
Oregano: 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped. Or 1 teaspoon dried.
Salt: 1 teaspoon sea salt.
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional), for a little kick.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: Chicken

This tender chicken marinade relies on the lemon herb chicken combo. The herbs and garlic are the backbone. Rosemary brings woodsy notes.

Thyme, savory warmth. Oregano adds a touch of earthiness. Don't be afraid to experiment! Want a Mediterranean chicken marinade ? Add a pinch of dried mint.

If you don't have fresh herbs, dried ones will do in a pinch. Just remember to use less, because dried herbs are more concentrated.

Gear Up: Tools of the Trade

You don't need a ton of fancy gadgets. A large bowl or a zip-top bag. A whisk. Measuring cups and spoons.

A grater or zester. Cutting board and knife is all you need for this easy chicken marinade recipe. Honestly, you probably already have everything! If you don't have a zester, a vegetable peeler works for lemon zest.

Just use the fine side. For cooking, a meat thermometer is your best mate. Get the chicken to 74° C ( 165° F) to guarantee that it is safe and delicious.

The secret ingredient is patience! This chicken marinade for baking and grilling, transforms an everyday chicken into a celebration! It's a simple, flavorful and versatile chicken marinade grilling can be a blast! Make the perfect juicy chicken recipe tonight.

Cooking Method: Marinating Like a Pro

Fancy a lemon herb chicken that's actually packed with flavour and stays juicy ? Then, my friend, you need to get serious about marinating.

Honestly, it's the secret weapon for turning boring chicken into something spectacular . Let me tell you, there's nothing worse than dry chicken.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is key. Get everything measured and chopped before you start. This is a time saver that would make Gordon Ramsay proud.

We are going to prep garlic herb chicken marinade . Also, remember folks: always wash your chicken before you marinate.

Time saving organization tips ? Chop all your herbs at once. Then, mince all of your garlic. It saves time, you know? Safety reminder? Don't cross contaminate.

Sanitize your cutting board and knife after handling raw chicken.

step-by-step Process: Making the Magic Happen

Here's a basic breakdown of our easy chicken marinade :

Whisk together your olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Place your chicken in the bowl or a ziplock bag.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes , ideally 4 hours , or even chicken marinade overnight .
Cook to an internal temperature of 74° C ( 165° F) .

Visual cue for doneness? The juices should run clear. Critical temperature? 74° C ( 165° F) . Don't skimp!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game

Avoid over marinating, especially with lemon. It can make the chicken mushy. Instead you want tender chicken marinade . Aim for that 4 hours mark.

Another thing, don't skip the salt. It helps the chicken retain moisture.

My gran always said to let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking. It helps it cook evenly, apparently.

You could also look into chicken marinade for baking , if you like.

So, whether you're aiming for a Mediterranean chicken marinade or just the best chicken marinade recipe , this is your starting point.

Give it a go! And tell me how it turns out in the comments below, mate. Remember to also check out my other recipes.

They are all easy and delicious.

Recipe Notes

Fancy taking your lemon herb chicken game to the next level? Thought so! These are my secrets, nicked from years of, frankly, sometimes disastrous cooking experiments.

We've all been there, right? Now, let's ensure this juicy chicken recipe turns out a winner for you every single time.

Serving Like a Pro

Right, presentation. Honestly, slapping the chicken on a plate and yelling "dinner's ready" works for some. For me, though? A little effort makes a difference.

Try arranging the tender chicken marinade pieces on a platter. Add some grilled asparagus or a vibrant salad. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top? Chef's kiss! As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even a homemade lemonade are perfect.

Storing for Later (or Lunch!)

So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate the cooked chicken in an airtight container, and it’ll be good for up to 3-4 days.

Honestly, though? It never lasts that long in my house. For freezing, wrap individual portions tightly in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag.

It is going to be fresh for up to 2-3 months. Reheating? Either microwave it (easy, but not the best for texture) or gently warm it in a pan with a splash of stock or water.

Mix it Up! (Variations)

One of the reasons that this is the best chicken marinade recipe is because it is so versatile!

Fancy a dietary twist? Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Easy peasy. For a seasonal swap, use blood oranges instead of lemons in winter for a gorgeous colour and flavour.

I did this last Christmas, and oh my gosh! The family loved it.

Cracking the Nutrition Code

Alright, let's keep this simple. This recipe gives you a decent whack of protein (great for muscles!) and healthy fats.

All thanks to the olive oil. The herbs are packed with antioxidants. This chicken marinade grilling method also allows the chicken to be cooked healthier.

This easy chicken marinade will keep you healthy while still being tasty.

Listen, you've got this! With this chicken marinade recipe , you can’t go wrong. So, get into the kitchen and create some magic.

I can't wait to hear how it turns out. Honestly, if I can do it, you absolutely can! And remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting.

So, give it a go!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I really marinate the chicken for this chicken marinade recipe? Is overnight too long?

Great question! For this chicken marinade recipe, you should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to get some flavour in there. However, for the best results, aim for 4 hours.

Overnight is usually fine, but keep in mind that the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken fibres if it's left for much longer than that you want tender chicken, not mush!

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this chicken marinade recipe?

Absolutely, you can! Fresh herbs are lovely and add a brighter flavour, but dried herbs are a perfectly acceptable substitute. As a general rule of thumb, use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe.

So, for this chicken marinade recipe, you'd use about 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano instead of 2 tablespoons of each fresh herb.

Help! I've made too much marinade. Can I store leftover chicken marinade?

If the marinade has not been in contact with raw chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can then use it as a salad dressing or drizzle it over cooked chicken or vegetables.

However, if the marinade has touched raw chicken, you must discard it to avoid any food safety risks. No one wants a case of the dodgy tummy!

Is this chicken marinade recipe suitable for other types of meat, like pork or fish?

This marinade is particularly brilliant with chicken, but it can also work well with other meats! It's lovely with pork tenderloin or chops, just adjust the marinating time accordingly pork can handle a slightly longer marinade.

For fish, I'd recommend a much shorter marinating time, about 15-30 minutes, as fish is more delicate and can become too soft if marinated for too long. Be sure to check that the fish is cooked through.

I'm trying to eat healthier. What are the nutritional considerations for this chicken marinade recipe?

That's a great thought! This chicken marinade recipe is already relatively healthy, thanks to the lean protein of the chicken, the healthy fats from the olive oil, and the abundance of herbs and spices.

To keep it even healthier, you could reduce the amount of olive oil slightly, or use a spray bottle to coat the chicken with a thin layer of oil before cooking. Grilling or baking the chicken is also a healthier option than pan-frying. Also, consider serving it with a side of whole grains like quinoa.