Zesty Chicken Marinade

Transform your chicken dinners with this vibrant and flavorful Zesty Chicken Marinade, a perfect balance of tangy citrus, aromatic herbs, and warm spices. Featuring a delicious blend of olive oil, fresh lemon and lime juices, smoky paprika, and a hint of honey for sweetness, this marinade is designed to infuse your chicken with bold, mouthwatering flavors in just minutes. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this recipe is quick to prepare—just 10 minutes of prep and 4–6 hours of marinating is all you need to elevate your favorite chicken thighs or breasts. Whether you're serving it alongside roasted vegetables, rice, or a zesty salad, this marinade guarantees juicy, tender, and irresistibly zesty results every time. Perfect for family meals or your next backyard barbecue, this chicken marinade will quickly become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 0.25 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, minced garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

Step 2

Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the mixture. Whisk again until all the spices are fully incorporated.

Step 3

Stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of herbal freshness.

Step 4

Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.

Step 5

Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate for 4–6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken fully.

Step 6

When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Cook the chicken as desired: grill over medium-high heat, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or pan-sear until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 7

Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the zesty, flavorful results!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	929.6 grams (929.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1802

Total Fat 84.20g	108%
Saturated Fat 15.80g	79%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 592mg	197%
Sodium 1351mg	59%
Total Carbohydrate 33.70g	12%
Dietary Fiber 2.60g	9%
Total Sugars 20.20g
Protein 218.10g	436%

Vitamin D 91IU	453%
Calcium 166mg	13%
Iron 10mg	56%
Potassium 2152mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.9%

Protein: 49.4%

Carbs: 7.6%