The Easiest Chicken Marinade Ever: Flavorful Chicken, No Mess!

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No-Mess Lemon-Herb Chicken Marinade

Prepare flavorful chicken marinade ingredients in bags for easy, mess-free meal prep and perfectly seasoned chicken every time.

5 from 1 review
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

📝 Ingredients

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1
    Prepare Dry Marinade Bags: In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well.
  2. 2
    Carefully spoon the spice mixture into a small, snack-sized freezer-safe bag. Press out excess air and seal. Label the bag clearly with the marinade type, date, and reminder of wet ingredients to add (e.g., 'Lemon-Herb Chicken Marinade - Add 1/4 C olive oil, 2 T lemon juice, 1 T Dijon, 2 minced garlic'). Repeat for desired number of bags.
  3. 3
    Store labeled dry marinade bags in your pantry for future use.
  4. 4
    When Ready to Marinate: Thaw chicken if frozen and pat dry with paper towels.
  5. 5
    In a gallon-sized freezer bag or shallow dish, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
  6. 6
    Snip open one of your pre-made dry marinade bags and pour the contents into the wet mixture. Whisk until well combined.
  7. 7
    Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag (if using), pressing out as much air as possible, and massage gently.
  8. 8
    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours. Do not marinate for more than 18-24 hours.
  9. 9
    To Cook (Grill): Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. 10
    To Cook (Bake): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. 11
    To Cook (Pan-Sear): Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F (74°C).

💡 Notes

This recipe makes enough dry marinade for one batch of chicken (1-1.5 lbs). Multiply the dry ingredients by how many bags you want to make. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes. This method works well for freezing marinated chicken: combine all ingredients with chicken in a freezer bag, press out air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

🥗 Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 320 kcal
Protein 30g
Total Fat 18g
Saturated Fat 3g
Carbs 6g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 2g
Sodium 480mg
Cholesterol 80mg

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