Name: Zesty Lemon-Garlic Chicken Marinade for Tender, Flavor-Packed Results
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Zesty Lemon-Garlic Chicken Marinade for Tender, Flavor-Packed Results

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A tangy and savory marinade that infuses chicken breasts or thighs with vibrant lemon, garlic, and herbs. This versatile blend of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard ensures tender, juicy meat with a balance of sweet, sour, and umami. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

Author: Layan
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 25
Total Time: 95
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: quick
Method: Marinating and Grilling/Baking/Sautéing
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine marinade ingredients in a large bowl or resealable bag and whisk or shake until fully emulsified.
Add chicken to the bowl or bag, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. For a bowl, cover and refrigerate; for a bag, seal tightly and massage the chicken to coat evenly.
Refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side, bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or sauté in a skillet until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving to retain juices.

Notes

Prep the marinade up to 3 days in advance for convenience.
Substitute 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar with white wine vinegar to mellow its intensity.
Replace dried Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon grated fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) for a more vibrant flavor.
Use an alcohol-free Worcestershire sauce to comply with non-alcoholic dietary preferences.
If marinating for more than 2 hours, discard any excess marinade to minimize bacterial risk.
For bone-in cuts, increase cooking time by 5–7 minutes to ensure doneness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh (6 oz)
Calories: 275
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 2000mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Find it online: https://yumandrun.com/zesty-lemon-garlic-chicken-marinade/