This Lemon Marinade for Chicken is my go-to quick and easy marinade for chicken. You can use this for grilling or baking the chicken. It adds a nice light zingy flavor to the chicken that your family will love. We especially like adding this chicken to salads! 

LEMON MARINADE FOR CHICKEN

I don’t know about you but I have a few go-to marinade recipes for each type of meat. When it comes to chicken I like simple but flavorful marinades. A few of my favorites are today’s Lemon Marinade for Chicken, this Tandoori Chicken and Shish Tawook. 

All of these are simple but so flavorful and really help keep those juices in the chicken when you make it. I especially like to use today’s chicken marinade for grilling in the warm months. Once you make a big batch of this chicken you can use it in a variety of ways from adding it to a Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, to a rice bowl, or tacos. I also like to serve this chicken with a rainbow of vegetables, like these Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables and a side of these Spicy Lebanese Potatoes. 

WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THIS LEMON PEPPER MARINADE?

OLIVE OIL: The olive oil helps to create the flavorful marinade. You can use either extra virgin or regular olive oil. 

GARLIC: I personally think minced garlic makes everything taste better. I love the garlic in this recipe because it really adds a nice flavor to the chicken with the lemon. 

LEMON JUICE: The lemon juice is the main star of the marinade. If you like lemon you will love this recipe. You can also throw some lemon zest into the marinade for even more zesty flavor. 

HONEY: The honey is a natural way to sweeten the marinade. I like the way it compliments the lemon juice. 

SPICES AND HERBS: This recipes uses Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. I also like to add fresh herbs like basil and parsley if I have them on hand. Feel free to put some crushed red pepper in for extra spice. 

HOW SHOULD I USE THIS LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN?

I love using grilled or baked chicken in rice bowls. I will often use today’s Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe and substitute it in this Chicken Shawarma Recipe. 

Salads are always a great base for this lemon pepper chicken marinade. I especially love adding it to this Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing and this Fattoush Salad. 

Another great way to eat this chicken is just as it is but pairing it with some delicious side dishes. In the summer I love pairing it with a light salad like this Easy Lebanese Salad or pairing it with this Ratatouille Recipe. 

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Lemon Marinade for Chicken

Yield: 4-6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

This Lemon Marinade for Chicken is my go-to quick and easy marinade for chicken. You can use this for grilling or baking the chicken. It adds a nice light zingy flavor to the chicken that your family will love. We especially like adding this chicken to salads!

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Ingredients

• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of chicken tenders or chicken of your choice 
• 1/4 cup of olive oil 
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 teaspoons of Italian seasoning 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 
• 1 lemon juiced {and 1 teaspoon zest if you want more lemon flavor}
• 2 teaspoons honey 
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped {optional}
• 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped {optional}

Instructions

1. Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag or a large container. Add the chicken and refrigerate for two hours.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
3. Place seasoned chicken tenders on a baking sheet in single layer. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
   Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature of largest tender is 165°F.
4. Remove from oven and let rest in pan for 5-6 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

TO GRILL THE CHICKEN:

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
Place the chicken in a single layer on the grill.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
Remove chicken from the grill. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.