Zesty Herb Infusion Marinade for Grilled Chicken
Elevate your grilled chicken experience with this zesty herb infusion marinade. Combining the richness of olive oil with the bright acidity of lemon juice and a medley of fragrant herbs, this marinade not only enhances the flavors of the chicken but also ensures it remains tender and juicy. Perfect for summer barbecues or weekday dinners, this versatile marinade can also be used for roasting chicken if grilling isn’t an option. Marinate for a few hours to infuse the flavors deeply, and enjoy the aromatic taste of herbs in every bite.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 cup (none)
Lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
Salt
1/4 tsp (none)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Savory
1 tsp (dried)
Rosemary
1 tsp (dried)
Tarragon
1 tsp (dried)
Oregano
1 tsp (dried)
Instructions
1
In a clean jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, savory, rosemary, tarragon, and oregano.
2
Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well mixed.
3
Transfer the marinade into a large ziplock bag.
4
Add the chicken pieces to the bag, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade.
5
Seal the bag, removing excess air, and refrigerate for about 4 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
6
Preheat the grill over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
7
Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
For additional flavor, season the chicken with a touch of salt and pepper just before grilling, if desired.
9
Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain its juices.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of this marinade?
The flavor profile is a zesty herb infusion combining olive oil, bright lemon acidity, and a medley of fragrant herbs like rosemary and tarragon.
How many ingredients are required for the marinade?
There are 8 ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, savory, rosemary, tarragon, and oregano.
What is the recommended amount of olive oil?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of olive oil.
Should I use fresh or bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The marinade uses 1 teaspoon each of dried savory, rosemary, tarragon, and oregano.
How should I mix the marinade ingredients?
Combine all ingredients in a clean jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until well mixed.
What is the best way to marinate the chicken?
Transfer the marinade into a large ziplock bag, add the chicken pieces, and seal the bag after removing excess air.
How long should the chicken marinate in the refrigerator?
It is recommended to refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for about 4 hours.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before cooking the chicken.
How long does the chicken need to cook on the grill?
Grill the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the grilled chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Should I leave the excess marinade on the chicken when grilling?
No, you should allow any excess marinade to drip off the chicken before placing it on the grill.
Can I add more seasoning right before grilling?
Yes, you can season the chicken with a touch of extra salt and pepper just before grilling if desired.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes helps it retain its juices, ensuring it remains tender.
Can I use this marinade for roasting instead of grilling?
Yes, this versatile marinade is also excellent for roasting chicken if a grill is not available.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Is this recipe high in protein?
The recipe is categorized as Low Protein, referring to the nutritional profile of the marinade itself.
What type of pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests using freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Is the savory herb fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried savory.
How much salt is included in the marinade?
The marinade uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the role of the olive oil in this recipe?
The olive oil provides richness and helps to ensure the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Can I use this for summer barbecues?
Yes, it is described as perfect for summer barbecues or weekday dinners.
How much dried rosemary is needed?
You will need 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
Is dried tarragon included in the mix?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon.
What is the benefit of shaking the jar during preparation?
Shaking the jar vigorously ensures that the oil, juice, and herbs are thoroughly emulsified and mixed.
Can I use this marinade for chicken pieces or whole chicken?
The instructions specifically mention adding chicken pieces to the bag for coating.
Is there any sugar in this marinade?
No, based on the ingredients list, there is no sugar added to this recipe.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
The total ingredient count for this marinade is 8.
Does this recipe include nutritional values like calories or fat?
The provided data lists calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein as null.
Is the oregano used in this recipe fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.