Easy Chicken Marinade Recipe
This easy chicken marinade recipe offers two flavorful options: a classic Lemon Herb and a vibrant Cilantro Lime marinade. Perfect for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, these marinades infuse the meat with bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and warming spices. After marinating, the chicken can be cooked by grilling, pan-searing, or baking, making it a versatile and simple choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 to 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Lemon Herb Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cilantro Lime Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- Zest and 1/4 cup juice from 2 limes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice thick chicken breasts horizontally or pound them to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness. Remove any excess fat or sinew. Divide the chicken into two equal portions for the two different marinades.
- Make the Lemon Herb Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Make the Cilantro Lime Marinade: In another medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder until fully incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place one portion of chicken into the Lemon Herb marinade and the other into the Cilantro Lime marinade. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover each bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method: Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, pan-sear for 5-7 minutes per side over medium heat, or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain juiciness and enhances flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will deepen the flavor but avoid overnight marinating to prevent overpowering acidity.
- Adjust spices according to your heat preference, especially the chili powder in the Cilantro Lime marinade.
- This marinade works well with other chicken cuts like thighs or tenders.
- For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely without overcooking.
Keywords: chicken marinade, easy chicken recipe, lemon herb chicken, cilantro lime chicken, boneless skinless chicken, grilling chicken, pan-seared chicken, baked chicken
Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/easy-chicken-marinade-recipe/
