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Grandpa Jim's Simple Chicken Marinade

Lemon, garlic and oregano chicken marinade.
Prep Time5 mins
Course: Main Course

Ingredients

  • 1 package of 2 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1-2 lemons, juiced
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 2 tsp dried oregano, crush while adding to the marinate
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

Instructions

  • Let me start this recipe off by saying you CANNOT mess this one up!! You can add a little more or a little less of one of these ingredients (depending on your flavor preferences) and it will still be delicious! These four fresh ingredients create a simple but delicious flavor together! Ok...now let's get going:
  • Combine the lemon juice, garlic, oregano and evoo into a large ziplock bag.
  • Optional: I like to quickly tenderize the meat between two pieces of cling wrap. It helps the chicken cook more evenly and it helps the marinate soak into the chicken too.
  • Add the chicken to the marinade and seal while pushing out any excess air.
  • Gently (without reopening the bag) massage the marinate into all sides of the chicken.
  • Marinate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight in the refrigerator. TIP: I usually make this the same morning and allow it to sit 8 hours or so and it's perfect every time!
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook however you prefer. We always grill ours.
  • Enjoy the chicken as is, over a salad, with a side of rice + veggies or over a pasta salad - options are endless. And this chicken is delicious hot or cold.
  • NOTE: you can easily increase this recipe to 2+ packages of chicken which I often do. Cook once and get multiple dinner + lunch meals out of it.

Additional Marinade/Dressing

  • Depending on how I'm serving the chicken, sometimes I'll make extra marinade. I typically substitute a dash of garlic powder for garlic gloves and whip up a small oil + lemon dressing you can drizzle overtop! A tsp of honey or dijon mustard is also a great addition!

A NOTE on my family recipes

  • I've said it before and I'll probably say it many more times....there were no recipes! I try to do my best to add the most accurate measurements I can for you but once you made this recipe once or twice, you won't need this guide anymore!