Mediterranean Citrus Herb Chicken Marinade
Transform your chicken into a flavorful Mediterranean delight with this zesty and aromatic marinade. Featuring a delightful combination of olive oil, fresh garlic, and a hint of honey or pure maple syrup, this marinade infuses the chicken with essential flavors while tenderizing it to juicy perfection. It's important to marinate the chicken for exactly 6 hours – no more, no less – to ensure that the vinegar does not begin to 'cook' the meat. Ideal for grilling, baking, or sautéing, this recipe promises to elevate your chicken dish for family dinners or gatherings. Perfect for meal prepping and versatile for all cuts of chicken, this marinade will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 cup (Can substitute with 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1/2 cup olive oil.)
cider vinegar
1/4 cup (None)
water
2 tablespoons (None)
fresh minced garlic
2 tablespoons (Can substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (None)
Dijon mustard
1-2 teaspoons (Can substitute with 1 teaspoon mustard powder.)
seasoning salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (None)
lemon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (Can substitute with 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.)
honey or pure maple syrup
1-2 teaspoons (Do not substitute sugar.)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cider vinegar, and water. Whisk together until thoroughly blended.
2
Add freshly minced garlic (or garlic powder), dried oregano, Dijon mustard (or mustard powder), seasoning salt, lemon pepper (or freshly ground black pepper), and honey (or pure maple syrup) to the mixture.
3
Continue whisking until all ingredients are well integrated and the mixture is smooth.
4
Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
5
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for exactly 6 hours; do not exceed this time to prevent the vinegar from cooking the chicken.
6
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Cook the chicken as desired – grill, bake, or sauté to your liking.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors in the Mediterranean Citrus Herb Chicken Marinade?
The marinade features a zesty and aromatic profile with flavors of olive oil, fresh garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup.
Exactly how long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for exactly 6 hours.
Why shouldn't I marinate the chicken for more than 6 hours?
Exceeding 6 hours can cause the vinegar in the marinade to begin 'cooking' the meat, which affects the texture.
Can I marinate the chicken for less than 6 hours?
The recipe recommends exactly 6 hours to ensure the flavors infuse properly and the meat is tenderized to juicy perfection.
Can I substitute the olive oil in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 cup of olive oil with a mixture of 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1/2 cup olive oil.
How much garlic powder should I use if I don't have fresh garlic?
You can substitute the 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of mustard powder instead of 1-2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
What can I use if I don't have lemon pepper?
You can substitute the 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon pepper with 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of honey?
No, the recipe specifically states not to substitute honey or maple syrup with sugar.
Is maple syrup an acceptable alternative to honey?
Yes, pure maple syrup is a perfect substitute for honey in this marinade.
What cooking methods are recommended for this marinated chicken?
This chicken is ideal for grilling, baking, or sautéing.
Can I use this marinade for any cut of chicken?
Yes, this marinade is versatile and works well with all cuts of chicken.
Should I reuse the leftover marinade?
No, you should always discard the leftover marinade once the chicken is removed for cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this marinade is described as perfect for meal prepping.
How should I store the chicken while it is marinating?
Place the chicken and marinade in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, seal or cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator.
How many ingredients are needed for this marinade?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
What herb is featured in this Mediterranean recipe?
Dried oregano is the primary herb used in this marinade.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of cider vinegar.
Does this marinade help tenderize the meat?
Yes, the combination of ingredients is designed to infuse flavor while tenderizing the chicken.
Why is water added to the marinade?
2 tablespoons of water are included to help balance the consistency and acidity of the mixture.
What is the first step in preparing the marinade?
The first step is to combine the olive oil, cider vinegar, and water in a medium mixing bowl and whisk them together.
How should I mix the dry ingredients and mustard into the liquids?
Add the garlic, oregano, mustard, salt, pepper, and honey to the liquid base and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
What is the benefit of using fresh minced garlic?
Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor, though garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute.
Is seasoning salt necessary?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning salt are used to enhance the savory Mediterranean profile.
Is this recipe good for family dinners?
Yes, it is designed to elevate chicken dishes for both family dinners and social gatherings.
What should I do right before cooking the chicken?
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid before proceeding with your chosen cooking method.
Does the recipe specify a preferred type of oil?
Olive oil is the primary recommendation for the best flavor.
Can I use this for a Mediterranean themed party?
Yes, the flavors are specifically curated to create a Mediterranean delight.
Is the marinade spicy?
No, it is zesty and aromatic rather than spicy, using lemon pepper and oregano for flavor.
What is the importance of whisking?
Whisking ensures all ingredients, especially the oil and vinegar, are thoroughly blended and smooth before adding to the meat.