Lemon Chicken Marinade

Lemon Chicken Marinade is a bright, citrus-forward preparation used to infuse chicken with flavor before cooking. It typically combines fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like oregano or thyme, and is a staple in Mediterranean and Western cuisines. This method tenderizes the meat and creates a zesty, aromatic base for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This marinade is low in carbohydrates and adds minimal fat, primarily from the oil, while contributing negligible calories on its own. It's a source of vitamin C from the lemon and antioxidants from the herbs, with the final dish's nutrition depending heavily on the cut of chicken used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	0.1 g
Carbs	1.5 g
Fat	4.5 g
Fiber	0.2 g
Sugar	0.5 g
Sodium	2 mg
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin B6	0.01 mg
Folate	3 mcg
Potassium	25 mg
Iron	0.1 mg
Magnesium	2 mg
Manganese	0.01 mg
Copper	0.005 mg

Per 2 tablespoons (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, lemon-based marinades are a hallmark of Mediterranean cooking, prized for their ability to brighten flavors without heavy sauces. Nutritionally, the citric acid in lemon juice can help tenderize meat and may aid in the absorption of iron from the chicken.