If you happen to dwell within the US, chances are high you eat round 118 kilos of hen each single yr. And whereas that’s the nationwide common, hen will get boring when it’s served the identical previous method. Do that lemon hen marinade with herbs and garlic for a brand new technique to take pleasure in a traditional protein.
The acid from the lemon juice helps tenderize the hen meat, whereas the herbs and spices give it an important taste. Good for throwing on the grill for a heat summer time night time!
Lemon Hen Marinade
Hen is such a flexible (and inexpensive) protein and we use it steadily in our house. Every little thing from straightforward, Crockpot meals like salsa hen to mouthwatering Italian chopped hen salad. I particularly love marinades as a result of they infuse the flavour into the meat for even higher style.
This recipe requires contemporary herbs as a result of I’ve a range rising within the backyard this time of yr. Contemporary herbs nonetheless have the unstable oils intact that give them a extra intense taste. These unstable oils are the identical that you simply discover when shopping for important oils.
If you happen to solely have dried herbs although, to not fear! Dried herbs additionally work, you would possibly simply need to let the marinade soak into the meat a bit longer. One other tip: hold contemporary dried herbs available. This manner while you pull the spice jar out of the pantry it’s nonetheless aromatic, not dusty and bland tasting. I additionally wish to crush the dried herbs in my hand some proper earlier than utilizing. This helps launch a few of these unstable oils (aka extra taste).
What Meat is Finest to Use?
Okay, so technically this recipe is for lemon garlic hen marinade, but it surely’s actually for greater than that. You should use it on any lower of hen: wings, thighs, legs, or breast. But it surely’s additionally a tasty technique to eat different meats. Our household additionally enjoys it on shrimp, salmon, pork chops, and even grilled greens.
Methods to Use the Lemon Hen Marinade
Generally I’ll layer the meat within the backside of a casserole dish and pour the marinade over that. Flip midway via marinating. Or these reusable luggage from ZipTop additionally work nicely too. You simply need to make certain the marinade has shut contact with the hen so all of the flavors can meld.
This can be a nice recipe to make forward as a result of the hen can marinate for as much as 24 hours. And the longer you wait, the higher the flavour. Meaning throw it collectively and refrigerate on Friday for supper Saturday.
It’s nice on the grill and helps the meat not dry out throughout cooking. It really works simply as nicely for pan-seared hen or for baked lemon hen within the oven. And if you would like much more lemon taste, serve with contemporary lemon wedges. I’ll usually add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a shade pop.

Herb and Lemon Hen Marinade
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup contemporary lemon juice
- 1 TBSP lemon zest
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 TBSP contemporary rosemary (chopped, or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 TBSP contemporary thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 2 TBSP contemporary parsley (chopped, or 2 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (elective)
-
In a bowl or mason jar, whisk collectively the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard if utilizing.
-
Place the hen in a glass container or reusable storage bag and pour the marinade over it. In case your mixing bowl is large enough you possibly can simply put the hen in there.
-
Cowl and refrigerate for at the very least 2 hours or as much as 24 hours.
-
Take away the hen from the marinade and discard any remaining lemon hen marinade.
-
Grill, bake, or pan-sear till the hen reaches an inside temperature of 165°F.
Vitamin Info
Herb and Lemon Hen Marinade
Quantity Per Serving (1 serving)
Energy 126
Energy from Fats 126
% Each day Worth*
Fats 14g22%
Saturated Fats 2g13%
Polyunsaturated Fats 1g
Monounsaturated Fats 10g
Sodium 299mg13%
Potassium 30mg1%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugar 0.3g0%
Protein 0.3g1%
Vitamin A 135IU3%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* P.c Each day Values are primarily based on a 2000 calorie weight loss plan.
- For additional lemon taste, serve with contemporary lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- This recipe makes sufficient for 2-3 kilos of hen or 8-12 servings.
What to Eat With Lemon Hen
There are such a lot of contemporary and enjoyable aspect dishes. Whether or not you backyard or get some from the native farmer’s market, colourful fruits and veggies are plentiful in the summertime. And even for those who’re not making this in the summertime, it nonetheless pairs nicely with different sides.
Attempt a traditional potato dish or a easy inexperienced salad for a fast meal. We additionally prefer it with grilled asparagus or sauteed summer time squash. Listed here are another concepts
What are a few of your favourite methods to eat hen? Go away a remark and tell us!




