Zesty Lemon Herb Marinade for Grilled Chicken

Prepare this easy lemon herb chicken marinade earlier in the day and enjoy delicious chicken hot off the grill for dinner!

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Marinade

You are going to love this lemon herb grilled chicken marinade. Bright lemon, fresh herbs, and a touch of mustard combine to create a flavorful, moist result whether you grill or bake the chicken.

This simple homemade marinade delivers far more flavor than store-bought options and is quick to prepare. Marinate the chicken for a few hours and grill it hot for a juicy, tasty dinner. It’s a versatile recipe that works with breasts, thighs, wings, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken.

Serve with seasonal sides like corn on the cob and a simple green salad for an easy summer meal everyone will enjoy.

What Kind of Chicken Do I Need For Chicken Marinade?

This marinade works with any cut: boneless skinless breasts, bone-in breasts, thighs, legs, wings, or a whole chicken. Choose the cut you prefer and cook it on the grill or in the oven—both methods produce great results.

Grilling times (approximate):

• Boneless skinless breasts: about 4–5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
• Bone-in pieces: roughly 10 minutes per side, depending on thickness and grill temperature.

Baking times (approximate at 350°F / 175°C):

• Boneless skinless chicken: about 30 minutes.
• Bone-in thighs, legs, wings: about 40 minutes.

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

How To Make The Best Grilled Chicken Marinade

Making the marinade is quick and straightforward. Whisk all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar until combined. Place the chicken and marinade in a gallon-size zip-top bag or a large bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours, turning occasionally so the chicken marinates evenly.

When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the bag and discard the used marinade. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and grill or bake as desired.

Why Should I Marinate Chicken?

Marinating does more than merely add surface flavor. The acids and seasonings in the marinade help infuse the meat, keeping it juicy and enhancing taste. Even a short marinate improves texture and depth of flavor, so it’s worth the extra preparation time.

How Long Should I Marinate Chicken?

For this lemon-forward marinade, 30 minutes up to 4 hours is ideal. Because lemon juice is acidic, marinating much longer can begin to break down the meat and create a softer, even mushy texture. If you need to marinate longer than 4 hours, add the lemon juice in the last hour or two to avoid over-tenderizing.

How To Avoid Contamination When Marinating Chicken

Handle raw chicken carefully. Bacteria on raw poultry can spread to surfaces, utensils, and hands. Keep raw chicken and its marinade refrigerated while marinating and clean or sanitize any surfaces and tools that come into contact with the raw meat.

Do not reuse the marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken unless you boil it first to kill bacteria. The safest practice is to discard used marinade after removing the chicken.

When and Where To Serve Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Marinade

This marinade shines at backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any gathering where you want a simple, flavorful main. It’s easy to scale up for a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time to free up time on the day you cook.

Pair the marinated chicken with grilled corn, a fresh salad, or seasonal vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal.

You Can Never Have Too Many Chicken Recipes

Try this marinade as one of many chicken options in your rotation. It pairs well with other recipes like stuffed peppers, wings, meatballs, and one-pot pasta dishes—simple, flavorful dinners the whole family will enjoy.

Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade

Yield:
2/3 cup

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Minimum Refrigeration Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Prepare this easy lemon herb chicken marinade earlier in the day and enjoy delicious chicken hot off the grill for dinner!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2½ teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Seasoned salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• 2 pounds chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless)

Instructions

1. Using a small bowl or jar, whisk together all of the ingredients.
2. Place chicken and marinade in a gallon-size zip-top bag or large bowl. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours, turning occasionally.
3. To Grill: Remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. Season with salt and pepper. Heat grill to medium-high indirect heat. Grill, covered, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F (about 20–25 minutes for bone-in pieces, or 4–5 minutes per side for boneless skinless chicken), turning once.

Notes

Alternatively, the chicken may be cooked in the oven. For longer marinating times over 4 hours, add the lemon juice during the last hour to prevent over-tenderizing.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 65
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 65mg
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g

Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients and instructions and may vary depending on preparation, ingredient sources, and portion sizes.

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