This lemon pepper chicken marinade is quick, easy to make, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavor. The zesty lemon juice combined with bold black pepper and aromatic spices creates a marinade that not only enhances the taste but also tenderizes the chicken, keeping it moist and juicy on the inside.
This fresh and zesty lemon pepper marinade is the perfect way to add bold flavor to chicken in just minutes. Made with simple ingredients, it brings out the best in chicken, seafood, or even salads as a dressing.
It’s the kind of marinade that turns any dish into a restaurant-quality meal. The lemon juice and spices create a rich, tangy, and slightly peppery flavor that soaks into the meat, making it juicy, tender, and packed with taste.
The secret? Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, 4-5 hours will make it even better. This allows the flavors to fully absorb, making every bite burst with lemony goodness.
Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this easy marinade is a must-try for any chicken lover!
- 1 What Is A Chicken Marinade?
- 2 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade
- 3 Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade Ingredients
- 4 How To Make Lemon Pepper Marinade
- 5 Tips & Variations for the Best Lemon Pepper Marinade
- 6 How to Store Lemon Pepper Marinade
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 More Chicken Recipes
- 9 Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade
What Is A Chicken Marinade?
A chicken marinade is a simple mixture of oil, herbs, spices, and an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar. It’s used to add flavor and make the chicken tender and juicy.
Marinating means soaking the chicken in this flavorful liquid before cooking. The acid in the marinade softens the meat, so it stays moist and tasty when grilled, baked, or pan-fried.
The word “marinade” comes from the old practice of soaking food in brine. Today, marinades are a quick and easy wayto make chicken, seafood, and even vegetables more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade
- Quick & Easy – Made with simple ingredients in just a few minutes!
- Packed with Flavor – The zesty lemon and savory garlic create a fresh, bold taste that makes chicken extra delicious.
- Keeps Chicken Juicy – The lemon juice and oil help tenderize the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Versatile – Perfect for grilling, baking, pan-frying, or air frying. You can even use it on seafood, vegetables, or as a salad dressing.
- Great for Meal Prep – Marinate the chicken ahead of time for an easy, ready-to-cook meal.
- Healthy & Keto-Friendly – Made with fresh, natural ingredients and no added sugars.
Once you try this easy lemon garlic marinade, you’ll want to use it on everything!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade Ingredients
This simple and fresh marinade comes together with just a few basic ingredients, creating a bold, zesty, and flavorfulmix that makes chicken juicy and tender. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil – I used extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, but avocado oil works too. It helps keep the chicken moist and juicy.
- Lemon – You’ll need both lemon zest and juice. The acidity tenderizes the chicken while adding a bright, fresh flavor.
- Garlic – Adds a rich, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon. Fresh garlic works best!
- Salt & Pepper – Season to taste, but feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices for extra flavor.
How To Make Lemon Pepper Marinade
My friends, you’ll be happy to know that this lemon pepper marinade is incredibly simple to prepare. It takes just 5 minutes while you get the rest of your meal ready!
- Prep the Ingredients – Wash the lemon, grate the zest, squeeze out the juice, and mince the garlic.
- Mix Everything Together – In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully mixed.
- Marinate the Chicken – Place the chicken in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Let It Rest – Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, marinate it for up to 8 hours.
Now your lemon pepper chicken is ready to be grilled, baked, or pan-seared for a fresh, juicy, and flavorful meal!
Tips & Variations for the Best Lemon Pepper Marinade
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil – If possible, go for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and richness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice is a Must – Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled concentrate for a brighter, more intense citrus flavor.
- Add a Spicy Kick – If you like heat, mix in red pepper chili flakes to bring some extra warmth to the marinade.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs – Chopped fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro will add another layer of freshness to the marinade.
- Try Different Proteins – This marinade is great for chicken, shrimp, fish, or even tofu for a delicious, citrusy twist.
- Marinate for the Best Flavor – Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 4 hours, but for the juiciest, most flavorful result, marinate overnight.
This versatile and flavorful lemon pepper marinade is perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, and with these variations, you can easily customize it to your taste!
How to Store Lemon Pepper Marinade
- In the Fridge – Store the marinade in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake before using to mix the flavors.
- In the Freezer – Yes, you can freeze this marinade! Pour it into a ziplock bag or ice cube trays and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before marinating your chicken.
Pro Tip: If freezing, you can add the raw chicken directly into the ziplock bag with the marinade before freezing. That way, it marinates as it thaws, making meal prep even easier!
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Use This Lemon Pepper Marinade
Transfer the lemon pepper marinade to a big zip lock bag, add the chicken breast, and toss it around to coat it in the marinade. Let your chicken breast marinate for at least 30 minutes, then cook your chicken.
How Long To Marinate Chicken?
Although a marinade isn’t required to tenderize chicken, it can substantially increase the flavor. The marinating period for chicken should be between 30 minutes and 12 hours.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Definitely, you can make this marinade recipe ahead of time, store it in a glass jar and use it whenever you want to make a juicy and delicious chicken.
More Chicken Recipes
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs Recipe
- One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
- Cajun Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Crispy Baked Keto Chicken Nuggets
Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade
Description
Ingredients
- ¼ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Mix the Marinade – In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, black pepper, and sea salt until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken – Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag, then pour the marinade over it, making sure it's fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for up to 12 hours.
- Cook & Enjoy – Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill, bake, pan-fry, or air-fry until fully cooked. Serve with your favorite sides!
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.