If you're looking for a simple, healthy chicken recipe that works for just about everything, this lemon garlic marinated chicken is it. It's made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, and it turns plain chicken into something juicy, flavorful, and so versatile.
This is one of my go-to recipes for high-protein meal prep. I'll marinate a big batch on Sunday and cook it up on the grill or in my cast-iron skillet. We use it all week for salads, sandwiches, wraps, rice bowls, or with some roasted veggies. It's quick, fresh, and makes healthy eating so much easier. And if you like this recipe, check out my bone-in chicken breast recipe for another great option!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients - basic items that you probably already have on hand
- Healthy and high protein - the perfect base for balanced meals
- Meal prep friendly - marinate and cook it once to enjoy all week
- Versatility - use it in salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, pasta...the options are endless
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Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breast
- olive oil (avocado oil works, too)
- fresh lemon juice
- zest of 1 lemon
- garlic
- salt and pepper
- optional herbs
How To Make Lemon Garlic Marinated Chicken
You only need a few minutes to prepare this marinade and clean up the chicken. Just be sure to allow at least 4 hours of refrigeration time for the marinade to work its magic, tenderizing and flavoring the chicken.
If I'm prepping this for salads or rice bowls, I like to cut the chicken breasts into sizes that are similar to chicken tenders (as I've done in the photo below). It has more flavor this way, and it's easier to portion out for lunches during the week. This also reduces the cook time a bit, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Step 1: Mix the marinade. In a large glass or ceramic bowl, add the oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings. Whisk until well combined.
Step 2: Add your chicken to the marinade and stir to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Step 3: Cook the chicken. Full breasts can be grilled or seared in a skillet for 6-8 minutes per side, until they reach 165°F.
Step 4: Store leftovers in the refrigerator to slice up, reheat, and enjoy throughout the week.
Tip: Using a meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking chicken and prevents you from overcooking and drying them out. I use this one and find it to be accurate and reliable.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken is the gift that keeps on giving and can be used in so many ways. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Serve it with fresh leafy greens, avocado, and cucumbers for a bright, simple salad
- Add it to your Caesar salad
- Tuck it into a wrap or pita with some hummus and fresh veggies
- Pair it with air-fried potatoes and seasonal veggies
- Toss it in gluten-free pasta with a drizzle of olive oil, baby spinach, and cherry tomatoes
- Serve it over quinoa or rice with some roasted veggies and a drizzle of tahini
- Fill a wrap of your choice with sliced chicken, baby spinach, avocado, and a drizzle of dairy-free ranch
- Make a gyro with sliced chicken, red onion, cucumber, tomato, and dairy-free tzatziki in a flatbread
- Make a panini with slices of the chicken, dairy-free pesto, and roasted red peppers on sourdough
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze uncooked chicken in the marinade for up to two months (thaw overnight before cooking).
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Boneless skinless thighs work well with this marinade because they stay juicy and flavorful. Just be mindful that thighs usually take a bit longer to cook, and they're a bit higher in calories and fat, so the macro estimates will be higher.
I love to grill this in the summer or sear it in my cast-iron skillet in the winter. You can also bake it at 400°F for about 20 minutes (longer for thicker cuts). Make sure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
What To Serve With Lemon Garlic Chicken
Simple Lemon Garlic Marinated Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 6 tablespoon olive oil avocado oil also works
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 to 1 ½ lemons depending on size
- 4 garlic cloves
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add your chicken to the marinade and stir well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cover the chicken and marinate at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Grill your chicken or sear it in a skillet for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Garnish with parsley and a few lemon wedges if you'd like.
- Serve immediately or let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator for meal prep. (See above for serving and storage suggestions)
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