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Chicken Breast Marinade Recipes

Chicken Breast Marinade Recipes

These Chicken Breast Marinade Recipes turn simple chicken into something truly special — tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. With ingredients like lemon, garlic, and herbs, each bite brings comfort, balance, and a touch of homemade love. Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 2 chicken breasts
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Resealable Bag or Shallow Dish
  • Skillet or Grill Pan
  • Tongs
  • Cutting Board and Knife

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts lean protein that soaks up big flavor
  • 3 tbsp olive oil adds richness and keeps chicken tender
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice adds brightness and tang
  • 2 cloves garlic minced — adds warmth and aroma
  • 1 tbsp honey adds balance and helps caramelize edges
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard adds savory depth and emulsifies the marinade
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika adds gentle smokiness and warmth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano adds earthy Mediterranean flavor
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder (optional) adds subtle sweetness
  • 0.25 tsp ground cumin (optional) adds gentle warmth
  • red pepper flakes (optional) for mild heat
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (optional) adds umami depth
  • fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, thyme, or basil) for garnish and freshness
  • Greek yogurt (optional) for creamy, protein-rich marinades

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Add optional soy sauce or Greek yogurt if desired.
  • Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over and massage to coat evenly.
  • Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours) to allow flavors to infuse.
  • Preheat skillet or grill to medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
  • Slice against the grain, drizzle with pan juices or olive oil, and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Don’t over-marinade — too much acid can make chicken mushy. Always rest after cooking for maximum juiciness. Try adding yogurt for a creamy version or balsamic vinegar for a deeper, slightly sweet twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 36gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 610mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 280IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword Chicken Marinade, Healthy, meal prep, quick dinner
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