Description
A bright and zesty Mediterranean chicken marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and mustard. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. It keeps the chicken juicy, flavorful, and tender while bringing sunny Mediterranean flavors to your table.
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 to 1.5 pounds chicken (breast, thighs, or drumsticks)
Instructions
1. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and mustard in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then place it in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
4. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for stronger flavor.
5. Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and cook as desired — grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked.
6. Serve hot with your favorite Mediterranean sides like rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste.
Do not marinate longer than 24 hours, as the acid can break down the meat texture.
Set aside some marinade before adding raw chicken if you want to use it for basting or dressing.
Olive oil may solidify in the fridge — bring to room temperature and shake well before using.
This recipe yields about 400–450 calories for the full marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 38 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg