Best Chicken Marinate with Lemon, Garlic & Herbs
A good chicken marinade doesn’t need a long ingredient list. This simple lemon herb marinade combines fresh lemon, garlic, olive oil, Dijon and herbs for juicy, flavorful chicken with a bright, savory finish.
I especially love it for my Harvest Cobb Salad, where the lemony chicken adds a fresh contrast to roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, toasted pecans, creamy avocado, blue cheese and a tangy cider-Dijon dressing. It’s flavorful enough to make the chicken stand out, but mild enough that all of those other ingredients still have their moment.
And while I first made it with the Cobb in mind, this is one of those marinades you’ll find yourself coming back to all season long. It’s just as good on its own, sliced over a salad, tucked into a sandwich, or served alongside roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Marinade
- Bright and flavorful. Lemon brings acidity and freshness, while garlic and herbs add savory flavor.
- Simple ingredients. You probably have most of what you need in the kitchen already.
- Versatile. Use the chicken in salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, or alongside roasted vegetables for an easy dinner.
- Make-ahead friendly. Marinate the chicken earlier in the day, then cook when you’re ready.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast (cut horizontally into thinner cutlets)
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Dijon Mustard
- Garlic (Minced)
- Honey
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Fresh or dried oregano
- Smoked Paprika
- Onion Powder
- Honey
- Salt
- Pepper
Recipes that Complement this Lemon Herb Chicken
Harvest Cobb Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
- If the chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally into cutlets for more even cooking.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, honey, onion powder and smoked paprika. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours.
- Grill or roast the chicken until the thickest part reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Best Chicken Marinade with Lemon, Garlic & Herbs
This easy lemon herb chicken marinade combines fresh lemon, Dijon, garlic, olive oil and herbs to make juicy, flavorful chicken. Perfect for grilling or roasting, and versatile enough for salads, sandwiches, grain bowls and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 skinless chicken breasts (about 2.5 lbs)
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1.5 teaspoons freshly ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
Instructions
- If the chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally into cutlets for more even cooking.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, honey, onion powder and smoked paprika. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours.
- Grill or roast the chicken until the thickest part reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.