Zesty Herb Citrus Marinade for Grilled Chicken
Elevate your grilled chicken to new heights with this vibrant Zesty Herb Citrus Marinade! Inspired by Ina Garten's classic recipe, this marinade combines the refreshing tang of fresh lemon juice with the rich flavor of high-quality olive oil, enhanced by fragrant thyme and a touch of kosher salt. Perfect for summer barbecues or a weeknight dinner, this marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with bright, bold flavors that will delight your taste buds. Marinate overnight for maximum flavor, and fire up the grill for a deliciously juicy chicken that pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or seasonal vegetables.
4
Servings
300
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup (Juiced from about 4 lemons)
Olive oil
3/4 cup (Extra virgin preferred)
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons (Regular granulated)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Minced fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon (Or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and thyme until well combined.
2
Place the chicken breasts in a nonreactive dish or a resealable plastic bag, ensuring they fit snugly.
3
Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
4
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken.
5
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
6
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
3g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Herb Citrus Marinade for Grilled Chicken?
It is a vibrant marinade inspired by Ina Garten that combines fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and fragrant thyme to tenderize and flavor chicken.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Ina Garten's classic marinade recipe.
What are the primary ingredients for this marinade?
The main ingredients include fresh lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and minced fresh thyme leaves.
How much lemon juice do I need for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
How many lemons are required to get 3/4 cup of juice?
You will generally need to juice about 4 lemons to reach the required amount.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for the best flavor.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme for 1 tablespoon of minced fresh thyme leaves.
How much kosher salt is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of regular granulated kosher salt.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate for at least 6 hours, though overnight is preferred for maximum flavor penetration.
What is the best way to mix the marinade?
Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme in a medium-sized bowl until well combined.
What type of container should I use for marinating?
You should use a nonreactive dish or a resealable plastic bag to ensure the chicken fits snugly and remains covered.
Should I reuse the marinade after grilling the chicken?
No, you should remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid before cooking.
At what temperature should I grill the chicken?
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long does it take to grill each side of the chicken?
It typically takes about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving helps it stay juicy.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for 4 servings.
What are the calories per serving for this marinade?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 30g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe low in protein?
The marinade itself is low in protein (0.5g), though the chicken you add will be high in protein.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for summer barbecues.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
It pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or seasonal vegetables.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with simple steps for whisking, marinating, and grilling.
What is the preparation for the thyme?
You should use minced fresh thyme leaves or a smaller amount of dried thyme.
How much black pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, or to taste.
Can I use this marinade for other types of meat?
While designed for chicken breasts, the citrus and herb profile is versatile for various poultry dishes.
How much total olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of olive oil.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is zesty, bright, and bold, driven by lemon and fresh herbs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 primary ingredients in this marinade.