Description
Transform ordinary chicken into flavor-packed perfection with this bright lemon garlic herb marinade. Fresh herbs and citrus create tender, juicy chicken every time.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 medium chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds)
Instructions
1. Use a microplane to zest the lemon before cutting. Zest just the bright yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
2. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
3. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
4. Pour marinade over chicken and massage gently to coat every inch. Seal bag or cover dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
6. Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade. Cook as desired (grill, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or pan-sear) until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Marinate for 2-24 hours maximum. Longer than 24 hours makes chicken mushy.
Never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken unless you boil it for 5 minutes first.
Take chicken out of fridge 20 minutes before cooking for even results.
Score chicken breasts with shallow cuts before marinating for deeper flavor penetration.
Fresh herbs work too! Use 1 tablespoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean