Description

This zesty and flavorful chicken marinade recipe combines fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and herbs to create a tender and juicy grilled or baked chicken dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, the marinade infuses the chicken with bright, savory notes and subtle sweetness, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (About 2 lemons)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredient

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 lbs)

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended, ensuring a smooth marinade that will coat the chicken evenly.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully covered. Seal the bag or cover the container securely to lock in the flavors.
Refrigerate: Refrigerate the chicken and let it marinate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For more intense flavor, marinate for up to 8 hours, but avoid exceeding this to prevent the lemon juice from curing the chicken excessively.
Preheat grill or oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking.
Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken develops a golden brown appearance.
Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm for a tender, juicy meal.

Notes

Do not reuse leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid contamination.
For a spicier variation, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, use fresh oregano and thyme instead of dried, roughly doubling the quantity.
Marinating overnight can enhance flavor but ensure it does not exceed 8 hours to maintain texture.
This marinade is also great for other cuts of chicken such as thighs or drumsticks, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: chicken marinade, grilled chicken, baked chicken, lemon chicken, easy marinade, healthy chicken recipe