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Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade

A bright, peppery marinade that flavors and tenderizes chicken without overdoing it. Ready in 5 minutes with pantry staples.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice from about 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest from 1-2 lemons
  • 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cloves garlic minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar optional, for balance
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)

Equipment

  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • measuring spoons
  • zester or fine grater
  • resealable bag or shallow dish

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, garlic (if using), and honey (if using) until combined.
  2. Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
  3. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 4 hours. (Over-marinating can make the chicken mushy due to the acid.)
  4. Remove chicken from marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade.
  5. Cook as desired: grill over medium-high heat (about 400°F) for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F; or bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway; or pan-sear in a hot skillet with a little oil for 4-5 minutes per side.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.

Notes

Storage: Marinate chicken up to 4 hours in the fridge. Do not freeze in this marinade (acid can affect texture). Cooked leftovers keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth. For a dairy-free version, skip any butter; this recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. Always wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken.