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–+ servings

Best Mediterranean Chicken Marinade (Incredibly Juicy!)

This easy Mediterranean chicken marinade uses a secret ingredient—preserved lemon peel—to create incredibly juicy, flavor-packed chicken. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, it guarantees tender results every time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced preserved lemon peel
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into chunks

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Medium non-reactive bowl
  • Zip-top bag or shallow glass dish
  • Meat thermometer
  • Grill or Baking sheet or Large skillet or Air fryer

Method
 

  1. In a medium non-reactive bowl, such as glass or ceramic, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, parsley, oregano, garlic, and finely minced preserved lemon peel. Add the salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you are using them. Whisk until everything is well combined.
  2. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Place the dry chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or a shallow glass dish.
  3. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken. Toss everything together to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly and generously coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 4 hours.
  5. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining used marinade.
  6. Cook the chicken using your preferred method until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Grilling
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread the chicken chunks onto the skewers and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet, ideally on a wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Pan-Searing
  1. Heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Air Fryer
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chicken halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Pat chicken dry for optimal flavor and browning. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, ensuring not to over-marinate. Always discard used marinade after contact with raw chicken. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated; raw marinated chicken freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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