Perfect for summer grilling season.
This Herby Grilled Chicken Marinade combines fresh lemon and herbs creating a fresh, vibrant flavor. It’s perfect for everything from easy weeknight dinners to summer cookouts, and pairs great with just about any side!
Easy Chicken Marinades
You always need a simple but flavorful grilled chicken marinade that works with a variety of dinners. Meal prep, on rice bowls, salads, pasta, you can make it work with anything!
The fresh herbs and lemon zest really set this marinade apart and freshens it up from traditional seasoning. The basil has a natural sweetness which is delicious on the grill.
Barbecue Grilled Chicken and Chipotle Chicken Marinade are in our top 5 chicken marinades too!
Ingredients
Fresh parsley, basil, and lemon zest create a vibrant herb marinade that feels light and summery without overpowering the chicken.
- chicken breasts – thinly sliced for even cooking on the grill
- olive oil
- fresh lemon juice
- garlic – fresh and minced!
- lemon zest
- honey
- kosher salt – I use Diamond Crystal in all my recipes
- fresh parsley
- fresh basil
- black pepper
- lemon wedges – extra for serving
How to Make Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, garlic, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Reserve a little of the marinade, then coat the chicken and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Grill: Cook on the grill or on a grill pan until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Finish and Serve: Brush with the reserved herb marinade during the final minute of cooking and serve with fresh lemon wedges.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Marinade Ahead of Time
The chicken can marinate for 2 to 6 hours for the best flavor. Because of the fresh lemon juice, I don’t recommend marinating overnight, as the acidity can start to affect the texture.
Cooked chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Equipment I Use to Make Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Splatter Tray – so versatile and cute!
- Grilling Utensils – must haves for easy grilling
- Microplane – so helpful for zesting lemons
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well.
Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or cast iron pan.
Print
Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 grated garlic cloves, ¼ cup chopped parsley, ¼ cup finely chopped basil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the marinade for finishing later. Add the thin sliced chicken breasts to the remaining marinade and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through to 165°F.
- During the final minute of cooking, brush the chicken with the reserved herb marinade for extra flavor.
- Transfer the chicken to a platter and serve with lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Mains
- Method: Grill
Classic Pasta Salad
Leave a Reply