Description
A vibrant, zesty chicken marinade made with lemon zest, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Perfect for grilling or roasting, this recipe delivers juicy, Mediterranean-style chicken with bold and fresh flavors ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 (4-ounce each) chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Zest lemons using a microplane to release the aromatic oils.
Combine zest with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic in a small bowl.
Stir mixture until fully homogenized.
Let marinade rest for 5 minutes.
Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
Massage the marinade into the meat for even distribution.
Chill the chicken in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F or grill to medium-high heat.
Coat the cooking surface with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Rest chicken for 5–10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Notes
Adjust the amount of lemon juice for your preferred acidity.
Use fresh oregano if available for more vibrant flavor.
For a richer taste, substitute chicken breasts with thighs.
Leftover marinade can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Use fresh lemons and a microplane for best zest quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one chicken breast or thigh
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg