Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade Recipe
This Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade is a vibrant and zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and cracked black pepper, perfectly designed to infuse chicken breasts or thighs with bright, tangy flavors. Ideal for grilling, stovetop cooking, or air frying, this marinade tenderizes the chicken while imparting a refreshing citrus punch enhanced by savory herbs and a little heat from freshly cracked pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 4 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, freshly cracked black pepper, salt, and dried parsley. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the lemon pepper mixture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to deepen and the marinade to tenderize the meat. For best results and maximum flavor infusion, marinate up to 12 hours.
- Cook the Chicken: After marinating, discard any leftover marinade. Cook the chicken using your preferred method: grill it over medium heat until cooked through, sauté it on the stovetop in a pan until golden and fully cooked, or cook it in an air fryer at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Do not reuse leftover marinade as it has been in contact with raw chicken.
- Marinating longer than 12 hours may start to break down the chicken texture excessively.
- This marinade works well with both chicken breasts and thighs.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on your dietary needs.
Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, chicken marinade, lemon chicken, grilled chicken, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken marinade
Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-marinade-recipe/
