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Lemon Garlic Marinade: My Go-To 30-Minute Chicken Marinade Recipe

Love flavorful marinated chicken, but short on time? This easy recipe for Lemon Garlic Marinade is my go-to 30-minute chicken marinade … and it’s so good.

Lemon Garlic Marinade: An Easy 30 Minute Chicken Marinade Recipe

One evening in the fall, I had the basic bones of dinner planned: chicken, rice, green beans. But while good in concept, the dinner needed a little more oomph.

Marinate the chicken, I thought … but since I don’t actually keep marinades in the fridge or cabinet, I had to go with what I had: Lemon, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper.

I made it quickly. Then I marinated the boneless chicken breasts for about 30 minutes, and then roasted it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping once.

When we dug in, the tender chicken was bursting with flavor. What had been a last-minute, from the pantry, idea was quite good. I wrote down the ingredients.

Lemon Garlic Marinade Recipe

Then I made it again. And again. And again. So many times. This lemon garlic chicken marinade is so good and so easy.

Sometimes the herbs are basil and oregano.

Sometimes it’s sage and thyme. Rosemary and thyme pair well too. But always lemon, garlic, salt, pepper.

Months later, I can honestly say that this 30-minute chicken marinade recipe is my go-to. I can whip it up in less than 5 minutes. The chicken needs to marinate for at least 30 minutes (longer is better, but it works in 30). And then we just cook, slice and enjoy — often with rice and a veggie (roasted vegetables are a favorite).

Quick. Easy. Delicious. Just as it should be.

Lemon Garlic Marinade: An Easy 30 Minute Chicken Marinade Recipe

Lemon Garlic Marinade Recipe for Chicken

Yield: enough for up to 2lbs chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lemon, , juiced
  • 1 clove garlic, , minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh herbs such as basil, , oregano and thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Pour into a resealable bag with 1-2 lbs boneless chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 12 hours. Cook as desired.

Karyn

Monday 25th of January 2016

I've got some chicken thighs thawing now! This marinade sounds delightful!

Lauren

Saturday 23rd of January 2016

I love how versatile this is! It would be great on salmon!

Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen)

Friday 22nd of January 2016

We use this exact marinade when we're short on time but want bright flavors for dinner! I love how the simplicity actually makes the flavors shine more on the plate! Yum. :o)

kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox

Thursday 21st of January 2016

Love an easy and fresh marinade! This looks fabulous!

Kristen

Thursday 21st of January 2016

I love marinated chicken. Your lemon/garlic combo sounds like it would be delicious and so easy to whip up!

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