Our Lemon and Herb Marinade contains the perfect blend of zesty lemon and fresh herbs for chicken. Perfect for grilling or oven bake ! Fresh, flavorful mix that guarantees juicy, succulent results every time. Try it now for mouthwatering Chicken !
Lemon and herb marinades are very popular to enhance and tenderize the flavor of chicken, a zesty and aromatic taste that makes it a favorite among home cooks and restaurants.
I find that certain herbs like mint, cilantro, and dill particularly complement the tartness of the lemon. These herbs not only meld well with the citrus tones but also enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
When combined with olive oil, garlic, ground cumin, and a touch of wholegrain mustard, this marinade can transform even the most basic chicken dish into a delicious meal.
The secret to a successful lemon and herb marinade lies in the balance of flavors. Too much lemon can overwhelm the palate, while an abundance of herbs might mask the chicken’s taste.
The ratio of lemon juice and zest to herbs is critical. A good rule of thumb is to start with the juice of one lemon and adjust according to taste.
It is important to note that the acidity of the lemon not only flavors the meat but can also tenderize it, making for a juicier, more succulent bite.
This particular marinade is best when allowed to sit with the chicken for at least an hour, though, I recommend 4 hours or marinating overnight.
By doing so, the meat has sufficient time to absorb the herbs and lemon. I always recommend using fresh herbs and lemons for the most vibrant taste.
Creating the Perfect Lemon and Herb Marinade
In my experience, the key to a good marinade lies in the balance and quality of ingredients. When creating a lemon and herb marinade, I focus on selecting fresh herbs and using fresh lemon not just for its flavor, but also for its marinating properties.
Selecting Your Herbs
When I select herbs for my marinade, I prioritize freshness and compatibility. The most aromatic and flavor-packed herbs include:
- Parsley: Bright and fresh.
- Mint: Adds sweetness.
- Dill: Sweet and tangy.
- Cilantro: Fresh and citrusy.
I usually recommend combining these herbs as per the recipe below, but the ratio can be adjusted based on personal taste.
Role of Lemon in Marinating
Lemon serves a dual purpose in marinating:
- Flavor: It imparts a zesty, fresh flavor that complements the herbs.
- Tenderizing: The acidic nature of lemon juice can help to break down proteins, making the chicken more tender.
The amount of lemon is very important. Too much can overwhelm the herbs and over-tenderize the meat.
Marinating Timeframes
For chicken, marinating times are important to ensure flavors are absorbed without compromising texture:
- Minimum time: 30 minutes.
- Optimal time: 2-4 hours.
- Maximum time: 12 hours.
I find that marinating beyond this window can result in a texture that is too soft, as the acids in the lemon juice can overwork the protein fibers.
Cooking with Lemon and Herb Marinade
When I use a lemon and herb marinade, I am aiming to infuse the meat with zesty and aromatic flavors whether I am oven baking or grilling.
Oven Baking Techniques
While oven baking with a lemon and herb marinade, I ensure that the meat is thoroughly coated and marinated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. (Remember to stir or tip over your marinating bowl at least twice).
I prefer to set my oven to 190°C (375°F) and cook in a preheated oven to achieve a consistent cook throughout. Baking times vary depending on the type of meat: for chicken breasts, thighs and drumsticks, I bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) .
- Chicken Breasts, Thighs, Drumsticks: 20-30 minutes at 190°C (375°F)
- Internal Temperature: 75°C (165°F) for chicken
During baking, I usually baste the meat with extra marinade to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
Grilling Tips
My favorite way of cooking Lemon and Herb Chicken !
Grilling with a lemon and herb marinade provides a smoky, charred complement to the bright and earthy notes of the marinade.
I heat my grill to a medium-high temperature before placing my meat on the grates. To avoid flare-ups and ensure even cooking, I periodically turn the meat.
For optimal grill marks and flavor, I follow these guidelines:
- Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Grill chicken breasts/thighs/drumsticks for around 6-8 minutes per side.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
On the grill, the lemon in the marinade caramelizes slightly, giving a beautiful char and robust flavor to the meat, pairing perfectly with the aromatic herbs.
More Chicken recipes you might like:
- Chicken and Chorizo Skewers
- Rosemary Lime Grilled Chicken
- Baked Buffalo Wings
- Honey Chicken and Cabbage Noodle Bowl
- Buttermilk Chicken Tenders (Crispy and Flavorful)
Lemon And Herb Marinade
Lemon And Herb Marinade
Ingredients
- ½ cup Lemon Juice fresh, from about 2 Lemons
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Rind finely grated
- ½ cup Olive Oil extra-virgin
- 3 teaspoons Garlic finely chopped
- 5 grams Mint Leaves chopped
- 5 grams Dill chopped
- 10 grams Cilantro chopped
- 10 grams Parsley chopped
- 2 teaspoons Wholegrain Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients well.
- Pour over Chicken (or meat of choice) and marinate as per your recipe.
Notes
- Nutrition values are for the full recipe i.e. 1 ½ cups of Marinade