Lemon Chicken Marinade for Juicy Grilled Chicken Recipe
A simple and flavorful lemon chicken marinade recipe that uses fresh lemon, garlic, Dijon mustard, and parsley to create juicy grilled chicken. This marinade requires only 30 minutes of marinating time and yields tender, zesty chicken perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (6-8 ounces each) or boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, sugar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic in a small bowl until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour half of the marinade along with 2 tablespoons of water into a 1-gallon zip-top bag or baking dish. Add the chicken pieces, tossing to coat thoroughly. Remove excess air from the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 60 minutes, flipping every 15 minutes to ensure even marination.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a gas grill to high heat, allowing it to warm for approximately 15 minutes before cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard leftover marinade from the bag or dish. Place chicken on the grill with the cover down, cooking for 6 to 9 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue grilling uncovered for another 2 to 6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain into ½-inch slices and serve drizzled with the reserved remaining marinade.
Notes
- Do not marinate the chicken for longer than 60 minutes to avoid a mushy texture caused by the lemon’s acidity breaking down the protein.
- Use a grill pan if a gas grill is not available, but grilling over direct heat best achieves the signature flavor.
- Letting chicken rest post-grilling allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender meat.
