Our Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade makes the juiciest grilled chicken you've ever tasted! We eat a lot of chicken around here - it's the one thing everyone likes. I want delicious meals, but I also want to be sure I am using quality ingredients when I am feeding my family.
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Like you, we adore grilling! From proteins to veggies, we grill it all - all season long! I especially love coming up with creative homemade sauces and seasonings that, when paired with grilling, bring out the most amazing flavor, like this simple recipe I'm sharing today.
When it comes to grilling, marinades bring big, bold flavor to the party. This Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade is an incredible multi-use chicken recipe using fresh garlic, lemon and ground mustard, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. It sounds so simple, but the results speak for themselves.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade Ingredients
Yes, making your own chicken marinade instead of grabbing something from the store takes a few extra minutes. However, you can control everything that goes into the marinade, and trust me when I tell you this is so, so tasty! I included some better-for-you swaps below.
- Chicken breasts - I swapped out other meat and used boneless skinless chicken breasts, which are more lean and cook quickly.
- Corn Oil
- Lemons - the juice helps tenderize the chicken while adding a delicious tangy flavor.
- Fresh garlic - Swapping out and using fresh is better for you than powdered and keeps the lemons from overpowering the marinade.
- Red pepper flakes - adds just a tiny kick.
- Ground mustard - perfectly compliments the rest of the ingredients, making for a well-rounded flavor combination.
- Salt and pepper to taste - Skip the table salt, however. I swap that out and use Himalayan salt because I like the flavor it adds to this recipe, but kosher salt is also great.
- Optional - add a pat of Cowboy Butter to the top of the chicken breasts after they're done grilling. The butter will melt adding even more flavor to the chicken!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade
Putting this marinade together is a cinch!
- Place the chicken into a large resealable bag.
- Into the bag, combine the oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, ground mustard, salt and pepper.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or as much as 24 hours.
Keep in mind that the longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor will be. The combination of lemon and garlic with the flavor from the grilling is just out of this world!
Tips for Grilling Chicken
- Because there is oil in the marinade, you do not need to use any more. Your chicken will not stick to the grill.
- Don't crowd the meat on the grill. Allow at least ½" between the chicken breasts.
- Keep the grill temperature about 425 degrees F and grill the chicken breasts about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Keep the grill closed so that the heat can cook the meat through.
- Chicken should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, according to FoodSafety.gov.
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken
This lemon garlic chicken is delicious with so many different side dishes! Here are a couple of my favorites:
- Rainbow Veggie Kabobs
- Baked Spaghetti Squash
- Ginger Soy Grilled Corn
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Glazed Tarragon Carrots
More Chicken Recipes to Try
I am always looking for new ways to make chicken so we don't get bored with the same meals. Here are some of my go-to chicken recipes for easy weeknight meals:
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Air Fryer Garlic Chicken Wings
- 40 Clove Garlic Chicken
- Mediterranean Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Lime Chicken Tacos
Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade
This chicken marinade is suitable for a range of diets including low carb, keto, and paleo. Serve with your favorite side dish or on top of a salad for a deliciously easy weeknight meal.
If you love this recipe, please give it a 5 star rating!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade
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Equipment
- Resealable bag
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
Marinade
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large lemons, zested and juiced
- 2 large cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon Himalyan or Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken into a large resealable bag.1 lb chicken breast
- Into the bag, combine the oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, red pepper flake, ground mustard, salt, and pepper.⅓ cup vegetable oil, 2 large lemons, zested and juiced, 2 large cloves fresh garlic, minced, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flake, ½ teaspoon ground mustard, ½ teaspoon Himalyan or Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or as much as 24 hours.
Notes
Tips for Grilling Chicken
- Because there is oil in the marinade, you do not need to use any more. Your chicken will not stick to the grill.
- Don't crowd the meat on the grill. Allow at least ½" between the chicken breasts.
- Keep the grill temperature about 425-degrees F and grill the chicken breasts about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Keep the grill closed so that the heat can cook the meat though.
For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.
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Morena says
The lemon and garlic combo is wonderful!
Ang Paris says
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your note 🙂
Jenna says
Oooo! I cannot wait to try this - I've been looking for a new marinade for chicken! This sounds yummy!
Maryann says
This looks amazing & I can't wait to try it!!!