Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade creates juicy, tender chicken packed with bright lemon, fresh garlic, and plenty of herb flavor.
author’s note
Chicken, But Make It Exciting!
It’s no secret I love chicken. It’s easily the protein I make most at my house because everyone loves it, it’s budget-friendly, and there are so many ways to use it.
That said, chicken can get boring fast. That’s exactly why I’m always trying new marinades, serving ideas, and sauces to keep things exciting. And let me tell you, this marinade does the trick. It’s incredibly simple but packs in so much fresh, bright flavor.
I especially love how versatile this Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade is. It’s the perfect base for loading up with a good sauce (may I recommend my forever favorite tzatziki?), tucking into warm grilled pita, or serving alongside a big Greek salad. That combo is hard to beat!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade Ingredients
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts or thighs | Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and are more forgiving. If using breasts, slice and pound to an even thickness so they cook evenly. |
| Lemons & honey | Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice won’t give the same bright flavor. |
| Garlic | Freshly mince or grate the garlic for stronger flavor. Adjust the amount based on how garlicky you want the chicken. |
| Oregano, salt & pepper | Dried oregano gives this Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade a great flavor. Whisk the seasonings well into the marinade so every bite is packed with flavor. |
| Olive oil | A good olive oil adds great flavor and helps keep the chicken tender and juicy while grilling. |
How To Make My Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade
- Prep Chicken: Slice, pound evenly, and place in a resealable bag.
- Make Marinade: Whisk together and pour over the chicken.
- Marinate: Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour.
- Grill: Preheat and oil the grill, then cook until fully cooked through.
- Serve: Add to warm pita, pair with Greek salad, and top with tzatziki if desired.
Chelsea’s Tips
Quick Tips For Success
- Slice or pound chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Add a seasoned grain for the base: Try making my Greek rice!
- Don’t over-marinate: Lemon juice is powerful and can start changing the texture of the chicken if it sits too long. For the best Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade results, keep the marinating time under 1 hour.
- Let chicken rest: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes after grilling so the juices can redistribute.
Quick Tip
Use a thermometer: Pull the chicken off at 160°F. Carryover heat will bring it up to 165°F while resting.
Storage
This Lemon Garlic Chicken is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes:
Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade
Equipment
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a frying pan. Don’t flatten too much, just even things out. Pat dry with paper towels and place the chicken in a large resealable bag.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, oregano, garlic, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating longer than 1 hour, as the lemon juice can begin to "cook" the chicken.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (400°F). Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Clean and oil the grill grates. (I soak a rolled-up paper towel in vegetable oil, grab it with tongs, and rub it over the grates.)
- Place the chicken on the grill. Grill the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches 160°F. (Carryover heat will bring it up to the safe temperature of 165°F.)
- Serve with grilled pita, Greek salad, tzatziki, and lemon wedges if desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
