Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade – 15 Year Go-To Recipe

Why This Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade Works

I’ve been making this lemon pepper chicken marinade for over 15 years, and it’s one of those recipes I never get tired of. It’s the one I reach for when I need an easy dinner, want to throw something on the grill, or need a batch of chicken for any sort of meal prep. The ingredients are simple, but together they make chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and anything but boring. Whenever I’m not sure what to make for dinner, this is usually where I start.

Why My Recipe

My go-to marinade for the past 15 years.
Just a few minutes of prep gives you juicy, flavorful chicken that’s ready for weeknights, meal prep, or cookouts.
Works with breasts or thighs and includes oven, grill, and stovetop cooking options.

Fresh lemon juice does all the heavy lifting here, while lemon pepper and a couple of dried herbs keep the flavor bright without overpowering the chicken. It works just as well with chicken breasts as it does thighs so go with whichever one your family likes best. I do recommend opting for boneless skinless either way. I’ve included baking, grilling, and stovetop instructions so you can cook it however makes the most sense for your day or the time of year.

Ingredient Notes

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works if that’s what you have. You’ll need about 1 lemon for 1/4 cup of juice, but sometimes you’ll need 2.

Olive Oil: Regular olive oil or extra virgin olive oil both work.

Lemon Pepper: Lemon pepper blends can vary quite a bit in salt content so watch out for that.

Dried Oregano and Basil: Stick with dried herbs for this one to keep things simple.

Salt: I’m just using table salt here.

Red Pepper Flakes: Completely optional, but they add a mild kick without making the chicken overly spicy.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Both work great. Chicken thighs are naturally more forgiving and stay juicy even if they cook a little longer.

Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs

This marinade works well with boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs, so it really comes down to personal preference. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook a little faster, while chicken thighs have a little more fat, making them extra juicy and forgiving if they stay on the heat a few extra minutes. I use both regularly, depending on what’s on sale or what I already have in the fridge.

Marinating and Cooking Instructions

Marinating Times

If you’re in a hurry, 30 minutes will give you plenty of flavor.
If you’ve got more time, anywhere from 2 to 8 hours is ideal.
You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours, but I wouldn’t go any longer than that. The acid from the lemon juice will eventually start to change the texture of the chicken, making it a little mushy.

Cooking Method Options

One of my favorite things about this marinade is that it works no matter how you’re cooking dinner. Grill it during the summer, bake it in the oven for an easy weeknight meal, or cook it in a skillet when you don’t feel like turning the oven on. I’ve included instructions for all three methods, so you can use whichever works best for your schedule and the weather.

Baking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Boneless skinless chicken breasts typically take 20 to 25 minutes, while boneless skinless chicken thighs take 25 to 30 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Stovetop Skillet Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side for chicken breasts or 6 to 8 minutes per side for chicken thighs, adjusting the time based on thickness. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Grilling Instructions

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat, about 400°F. Clean and lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken with the lid closed, turning once halfway through cooking. Chicken breasts generally take 5 to 7 minutes per side. Chicken thighs typically take 6 to 8 minutes per side. Cook until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Freezer Meal Instructions

This recipe is perfect for stocking the freezer. Add the chicken and marinade to a freezer-safe resealable bag, press out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. As the chicken thaws overnight in the refrigerator, it’ll marinate at the same time, making dinner even easier.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken goes with just about everything (which is why I love it so much).

Add a Starch: Serve it with rice, roasted potatoes, or buttered noodles for an easy dinner.
Add a Veggie: like roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad.
Other Options: It’s also great sliced over Caesar salad, tucked into wraps, or served in grain bowls for meal prep lunches.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through, or warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little olive oil or butter to help keep the chicken juicy.

Recipe: Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Marinating Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes | Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs

Instructions

In a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons lemon pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional).
Add 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken and submerge in the marinade to coat.
Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Remove chicken before cooking and discard any excess marinade.
Follow cooking instructions above for baking, stovetop, or grilling.

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