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Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

This Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade is a vibrant and tangy blend of fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon peel, garlic, and cracked black pepper that imparts bright, bold flavors to chicken breasts or thighs. Perfect for marinating your chicken before grilling, stovetop cooking, or air frying, it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with a refreshing citrus-peppery kick. Ideal for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 2 lemons (about 4 tablespoons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Protein

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, cracked black pepper, salt, and dried parsley until fully combined.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts or thighs. Toss the chicken well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the marinade.
  3. Marinate: Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Cook the chicken by grilling, stovetop sautéing, or air frying according to your preference until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.

Notes

  • Marinating for at least 4 hours is essential for optimal flavor and tenderness.
  • Discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Adjust black pepper quantity to taste for desired spice level.
  • This marinade works well with both chicken breasts and thighs.
  • Cooking times will vary depending on method and thickness of chicken pieces.

Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, chicken marinade, lemon garlic marinade, grilled chicken recipe, easy chicken marinade

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/lemon-pepper-chicken-marinade-recipe/