Description
A quick and tangy chicken marinade using lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and herbs that tenderizes the meat and adds bright flavor. Perfect for grilling, baking, or slow-cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until emulsified.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable plastic bag. If using breasts, pound to even thickness. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and remove excess air.
- Massage the bag to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Do not exceed 4 hours to prevent mushy texture.
- While chicken marinates, preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from the bag, letting excess marinade drip off. Discard used marinade. Place chicken on grill or baking sheet.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes per side for breasts, or 10-12 minutes per side for thighs, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.
Notes
Do not marinate for more than 4 hours as the acid can break down the meat too much. Let chicken come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking for even results. Always discard marinade that touched raw chicken. Can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken marinade, quick-pickled chicken, easy chicken recipe, grilled chicken, juicy chicken, healthy dinner, gluten-free chicken