Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade That’s Simple and Delicious
Looking for a flavorful and healthy way to upgrade your chicken dinners? This easy lemon herb chicken marinade is your go-to solution. It’s packed with bright citrus, fresh garlic, and savory herbs—perfect for meal prep, summer grilling, or a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re marinating chicken breasts, thighs, or even shrimp or pork, this marinade delivers fresh flavor with minimal effort.
RELATED: Greek Chicken Marinade with Yogurt
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Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic (minced)
- Dried or fresh herbs (like thyme, oregano, parsley)
- Dijon mustard (optional, but great for depth)
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It
- Mix the Marinade: In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and mustard if using. Shake or whisk until well blended.
- Add the Chicken: Place your chicken (breasts, thighs, or tenders) in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the top.
- Marinate: Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours). For meal prep, freeze immediately after adding the marinade.
- Cook: Grill, bake, or pan-cook your chicken until cooked through. Enjoy hot or slice it for salads, wraps, or bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade
- Fresh & Light: Bright citrus flavors and savory herbs make this perfect for warm-weather meals.
- Quick to Make: Just a few pantry ingredients and five minutes.
- Versatile: Use on grilled chicken, oven-baked thighs, or even salmon and pork tenderloin.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for freezer meals and batch cooking.
Free Printable Labels!
Want to make your freezer stash even easier to manage? Grab my free printable label sheet for this marinade! It includes 4 matching labels with thawing and cooking instructions. Stick them on freezer bags or containers so you always know what’s inside.
✅ These labels are sized to fit Avery 8168 shipping labels (3.5″ x 5″)—or print on full-sheet sticker paper and trim by hand.
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Tips & Variations on Lemon Herb Marinade
- Swap herbs based on what you have: rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning work too.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Try it with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Freeze extra zest for later — it works great with lime or orange too.
RELATED: Have extra lemons? Try making our Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or Homemade Lemonade.
Serving Ideas
This lemon herb chicken is perfect with roasted vegetables, a summer salad, or wrapped in a pita with tzatziki.
RELATED: Cucumber & Tomato Salad, Roasted Vegetables
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch. Just add some zest if you have it.
Tip: When you have fresh lemons on hand, don’t waste the zest! If you only need the juice and not the zest for your current recipe, then go ahead and wash and zest the lemon (works just as well for limes and oranges) and place the zest in a container or zip bag to place in the freezer for later use.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes. Up to 24 hours for stronger flavor. You can also freeze it right away.
Can I use this marinade on veggies or tofu?
Absolutely! Try it with zucchini, mushrooms, or tofu—just marinate and grill or roast for a fresh twist.
Do I have to use mustard?
Nope! It just adds a tangy, savory layer. Skip it if you prefer.
Give Us a Shout Out! Tried this marinade? Tag @HaveYouMade on Pinterest or leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how you used it!
Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1½-2 lbs chicken
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice 1 small lemon
- 1 tsp lemon zest optional
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard optional
Instructions
- Mix the Marinade: In a small bowl or jar, combine lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and mustard if using. Shake or whisk until well blended.
- Add the Chicken: Place your chicken (breasts, thighs, or tenders) in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the top.
- Marinate: Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours). For meal prep, freeze immediately after adding the marinade.
- Cook: Grill, bake, or pan-cook your chicken until cooked through. Enjoy hot or slice it for salads, wraps, or bowls.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- The marinade includes Dijon mustard, which adds brightness and helps emulsify the oil and lemon juice.
- You can use this marinade for chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, and it also works well with pork or fish.
- Great for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking—just discard any unused marinade.
- Optional Add-In: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick if you prefer a little heat.
- The estimated calories from the marinade per serving is approximately 60, assuming most of the marinade is discarded before cooking and that about 1.5 tablespoons of oil (plus other small ingredients) are absorbed across 4 servings. Actual calories may vary based on marinating time, cooking method, and how much marinade clings to the meat.
