Citrus Herb Chicken Marinade

Name: Citrus Herb Chicken Marinade
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 8

If you're looking to infuse your chicken with a burst of fresh, zesty flavors, this Citrus Herb Chicken Marinade is just what you need. It's a perfect combination of citrus and herbs that will bring your chicken dishes to life.

Print Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packs a citrus punch that is refreshing and vibrant.
Simple to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Perfect for grilling, baking, or even pan-searing.
Uses fresh herbs for an uplifting aroma and taste.

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and orange juice. The goal here is to create a smooth blend that will become the base of your marinade. Once that's mixed, toss in the minced garlic, chopped thyme, and rosemary. Stir these ingredients until they're well combined and you can start to smell the wonderful aromas coming together.

Next, whisk in the Dijon mustard, followed by the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This step is crucial as the mustard helps emulsify the mixture, ensuring that the flavors are well-distributed.

With your marinade ready, place your chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a suitable container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Seal the bag or container tightly and pop it into the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or if you have the time, overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.

When you're ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess. Whether you choose to grill, bake, or pan-sear, your chicken is now prepped and ready to be cooked to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

Always marinate in the fridge to prevent bacterial growth.
If you're short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating can make a difference.
Try not to reuse the marinade as a sauce; it's better to make a fresh batch for that.

Serving Suggestions

This marinated chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a creamy risotto. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, pair it with a citrusy couscous for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?: Yes, you can use dried herbs, but remember they are more concentrated, so use about a third of the amount.
What type of chicken works best with this marinade?: This marinade works well with any cut of chicken, but it's particularly great with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

Ingredients Explained

Olive oil forms the base of the marinade, helping to carry the flavors into the chicken while keeping it moist. Lemon juice and orange juice add a bright, tangy profile that tenderizes the meat and adds a zesty kick. Garlic, when minced, infuses a pungent, savory note that complements the citrus beautifully. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary add earthy, aromatic flavors that are quintessential to any great chicken marinade. Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, bringing everything together with a subtle tang. Salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance all the flavors, while a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a gentle heat.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and orange juice.

2. Add minced garlic, chopped thyme, and rosemary, stirring until well combined.

3. Whisk in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is emulsified.

4. Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or container and pour marinade over it.

5. Seal the bag/container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal flavor.

6. Remove chicken from marinade and discard any excess marinade before cooking.

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