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    Home » Main Dishes

    September 26, 2022

    Lemon and Herb Marinade

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    4 grilled chicken breast cutlets that have been marinated in lemon and herb marinade on a brow cutting board with extra thyme and rosemary and lemons cut in half for garnish

    This Lemon and herb marinade is perfect for grilled chicken or pork chops. It combines great flavor from garlic, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon.

    This blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn income from qualifying purchases.

    The Perfect Marinade for Weeknight Cooking

    I just love this easy marinade! I most often use it as a lemon herb chicken marinade, but as you read on, you will see what a versatile marinade it can be. The blend of lemon juice and herbs pack a flavorful punch. The natural flavor from fresh herbs really wake up the senses. The aroma from the lemon marinade can't be beat. If you need new recipes, you are in the right place to make some new home-cooked meals this week.

    Simple Lemon and Herb Marinade Ingredients

    lemon and herb marinade ingredients including cloves of garlic a whole lemon marble jar of salt fresh rosemary and thyme a blue pepper grinder and bottle of olive oil

    These ingredients are meant to be together. The rosemary and garlicky flavor gives the marinade is deep and earthy base. The fresh lemon juice and thyme are bright and zesty. I pretty much always have garlic cloves and lemons on hand which is why I reach for this recipe so often. Fresh thyme and rosemary are also staples, but even if I don't have them on hand, they are available year round and can be used in so many recipes.

    The other marinade basics include olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper.

    Lastly, other great herb options include: fresh basil, dried or fresh oregano, and Italian flat leaf parsley.

    Making the Marinade

    glass measuring cup of lemon and herb marinade on a brown cutting board with fresh thyme next to it

    Making the marinade is a 5 minute process. You'll want to prepare the herbs including the garlic, thyme, and rosemary by pulling it from the stems and give a a very fine chop. Get them together in a small bowl or measuring cup.

    Next, you can add the olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. Pour the marinade over your choice of protein: boneless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, whole chickens, pork chops, pork tenderloin, or shrimp. Save the meat in the marinade and store in an airtight container, sealable plastic bag, or vacuum sealed bag and refrigerate for 2-12 hours or overnight.

    If you are cooking for vegetation/plant based friends, this marinade is also good on vegetables including: red bell peppers, white mushrooms, baby portobellos, red onion, zucchini, yellow squash, or eggplant.

    Cooking Marinated Chicken

    5 chicken breast cutlets cooking on a grill grate with charred grill lines on them

    As far as cooking recommendations go, I almost always grill my marinated chicken. Its a quick process and I can keep the mess outside. I grill the chicken on a Traeger heated to 375F for 16-20 minutes. I flip the chicken one time halfway through the cooking process to get even grill marks on both sides on the cutlet. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F and verify that with a meat thermometer if needed.

    However, if you are not a grill master like me or ran out of propane, you can also pan sear these cutlets. Cook them in a large pan or cast iron skillet with olive oil on medium for 15 minutes, flipping them throughout the cooking process so they do not burn.

    Serving Suggestions

    sliced marinated chicken served on a white plate with rigatoni and fresh herbs for garnish and a lemon wedge

    My favorite way to make and serve an herb and lemon marinaded chicken breast is over buttered noodles with broccoli or a dinner salad. It also goes very well with roasted potatoes and carrots that are seasoned with the same herbs and butter.

    More ideas:

    • thinly sliced for sandwiches
    • served with rice pilaf and zucchini
    • dinner salad topped with a lemony vinaigrette of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes
    • its great for chicken caesar salad too

    Bottom line, the marinade packs tons of flavor, but is so versatile that it can be transformed into several different types lunches and dinners.

    Lemon Herb Marinade Recipe Card

    4 grilled chicken breast cutlets that have been marinated in lemon and herb marinade on a brow cutting board with extra thyme and rosemary and lemons cut in half for garnish
    Print Recipe
    4.67 from 6 votes

    Herb and Lemon Marinade

    A fresh and bright marinade that combines fresh thyme, rosemary, and lemon.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 30kcal

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup veg oil
    • 1 clove minced garlic
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
    • ½ lemon juiced
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions

    • Measure and combine all ingredients in a bowl or measuring cup.
    • Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts through the center to make thin cutlets.
    • Marinade chicken in a bowl and refrigerate for 2-4 hours. Or save marinated chicken in freezer safe bags in the freezer for future use.
    • When you are ready to cook the chicken, grill on high for 7-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature of the chicken breasts reads 165F on a meat thermometer.
    • Serve grilled chicken with parmesan butter noddles and asparagus or over a crisp salad with Italian dressing and garlic bread.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 30kcal

    Freezer Friendly Marinade

    chicken in a vacuum sealed pouch in lemon and harb marinade

    This marinade in particular is one I use for make ahead meals. I make my marinade and pour it over the chicken to save in a vacuum sealed Food Saver bag. You can do this with any sealable bag, but removing the air prevents freezer burn. Check out my other freezer friendly marinades below!

    These are a great way to have dinner on the table quickly during busy weeknights. Just take the sealed chicken out of the freezer the day before and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Choose an easy side dish and take the stress out of cooking for that night.

    Why this Homemade Marinade is Better than Store Bought

    Now, you may have learned by now that I am a huge advocate for cooking from scratch and making it as easy as possible. Sometimes I enjoy the convenience of a bottled store bought marinade. The challenge is finding one that is not loaded with added msg, high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

    More Great Marinades

    a large platter serving sliced tequila lime chicken with sour cream diced avocado fajita bell peppers and onions shredded cheese and mango salsa in colorful bowls
    3 chicken breast cutlets on a bed of grilled vegetables including red onion zucchini and red bell pepper
    Basic Chicken Marinade
    2     

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    • several skewers of cooked Chinese chicken on a stick resting on a wood cutting board garnished with sesame seeds
      Chinese Chicken on a Stick Recipe
    • a large platter serving sliced tequila lime chicken with sour cream diced avocado fajita bell peppers and onions shredded cheese and mango salsa in colorful bowls
      Tequila Lime Chicken Marinade
    • sliced pork tenderloin with a red smoky char served on a cutting board next to tongs and a meat slicing knife
      Pork Tenderloin on a Traeger

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    Hi, I'm Alexis! I love cooking delicious meals from scratch, especially on my Traeger Grill.

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