Easy Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade for Grilling
Whip up this vibrant, super easy lemon herb marinade in minutes for perfectly tender and flavorful grilled chicken. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed summer BBQ, using common supermarket ingredients.

Ingredients
- 1.5 lbsBoneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 0.3 cupOlive oil
- 0.3 cupLemon juice
- 1 tablespoonLemon zest
- 3 clovesGarlic, minced
- 2 tablespoonsFresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoonFresh oregano or thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoonSalt
- 0.5 teaspoonBlack pepper
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano (or thyme), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
⏱ 3 min - 2
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. For best results, place the chicken and marinade into a sealable plastic bag or cover the bowl tightly.
⏱ 2 min - 3
Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours to prevent the lemon juice from 'cooking' the chicken.
- 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F / 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
⏱ 10 min - 5
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard any remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-9 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
⏱ 18 min - 6
Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
⏱ 5 min
Nutrition
380kcal
Calories
45g
Protein
6g
Carbs
22g
Fat