Lemon Dill Chicken Marinade
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We are right in the heart of grilling season, and this Lemon Dill Chicken Marinade is a great addition to your list of summer favorites. It has a bright, fresh flavor that works especially well on grilled chicken. The lemon gives it that clean citrus flavor, while the dill adds a delicious herby touch that makes it feel a little different from the usual grilled chicken recipes.
One of the things I love about a good marinade is how a few simple ingredients can work together to create so much flavor. A well-balanced marinade usually includes five main elements: oil, acid, salt, sweetness, and aromatics or seasonings. The oil helps coat the meat and carry all of the other flavors, and in this recipe, olive oil does that job beautifully. It is a great choice because it blends well with the other ingredients and works perfectly for grilling.
The acid in this marinade comes from both lemon juice and white rice vinegar, which gives the chicken a bright, tangy flavor. A small amount of honey adds just enough sweetness to balance out the citrus and vinegar without making the marinade taste sweet. Then the aromatics and seasonings bring everything together. Dill gives the marinade its fresh herby flavor, while ground mustard, garlic, and salt add depth and make the chicken flavorful all the way through. The end result is a grilled chicken recipe that tastes light, fresh, and perfect for summer meals.
Ingredients for Lemon Dill Chicken Marinade
- OLIVE OIL – Olive oil is the base of the marinade and helps coat the chicken evenly. It also helps carry the flavor of the other ingredients and keeps the chicken from drying out as it cooks.
- GARLIC – Garlic adds a bold, savory flavor that deepens the marinade. It pairs especially well with the lemon and dill.
- LEMON JUICE – Lemon juice adds the bright citrus flavor that makes this marinade taste so fresh. It also helps tenderize the chicken a bit while adding that classic lemony taste.
- GROUND MUSTARD – Ground mustard adds a little extra depth and a mild tangy flavor. It helps round out the marinade without overpowering the lemon and dill.
- FRESH DILL – Fresh dill gives this marinade its herby flavor and makes it feel light and summery. It works really well with lemon and adds a fresh twist to grilled chicken.
- WHITE RICE VINEGAR – White rice vinegar adds another layer of acidity to the marinade. It helps brighten the flavor and balances the olive oil and honey.
- HONEY – A small amount of honey adds just enough sweetness to balance the lemon and vinegar. It helps round out the marinade without making it overly sweet.
- SALT – Salt helps season the chicken and brings out all of the other flavors in the marinade. Even a small amount makes a big difference in the final taste.
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS OR TENDERS – Boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders are the protein in this recipe, and both work really well with this marinade. They soak up the flavor beautifully and cook up into an easy, delicious meal. Tenders are especially nice if you want something that marinates quickly and cooks a little faster on the grill.
Instructions for Lemon Dill Chicken Marinade
Start by adding all of the marinade ingredients, except the chicken, to a gallon-size freezer bag. Seal the bag partway and gently mix everything together until the marinade is well combined.
Next, add the chicken breasts to the bag. Press out as much air as possible, then seal the bag completely. Gently move the chicken around in the bag so each piece is evenly coated in the lemon marinade.
If you are making it right away, place the bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will have. When you are ready to cook, discard the marinade and grill the chicken until cooked through. This recipe serves 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours for the best flavor. It can stay in the marinade up to 12 hours.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes. Overnight works well as long as it stays within that 12-hour range.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs would work well in this marinade and can be a great option if you prefer darker meat.
Do I have to grill the chicken?
No. You can also cook it in a skillet, bake it in the oven, or use an air fryer if that works better for you.
What does the dill add to the marinade?
Dill gives the chicken a fresh herby flavor that pairs really well with the lemon. It helps make the marinade feel bright and summery.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes. Fresh dill gives the best flavor, but dried dill can work if that is what you have.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes. Either honey or maple syrup works to add a little sweetness and balance the acidity in the marinade.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes. This would work well as a freezer meal if you want to prep it ahead for later.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
What can I serve with lemon dill chicken?
It goes well with roasted potatoes, rice, grilled vegetables, pasta salad, or a simple green salad.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes. This chicken is great for meal prep because it works well for dinners, salads, wraps, and lunches later in the week.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. That gives the lemon and dill enough time to really flavor the chicken.
- Do not marinate it too long. Because of the lemon juice and vinegar, I would keep it at 12 hours or less so the texture stays good.
- Use fresh dill if possible. Fresh dill gives the marinade the best bright, herby flavor.
- Discard the marinade before grilling. Once it has been in contact with the raw chicken, it should not be reused.
- Use a meat thermometer. Grill the chicken until it reaches 165 degrees so it stays juicy and does not overcook.
Lemon Chicken Marinade
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dill weed
- ½ Tbsp white rice vinegar
- 2 tsp honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or equal amount of chicken tenders
Instructions
- In a gallon-sized freezer bag, add all of the ingredients except the chicken. Whisk everything together.
- Add in the chicken, remove as much air as possible, and seal the bag. Knead the chicken in the bag to coat it in the marinade.
- If using right after making, place in the fridge to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 12 hours. The longer the better for flavor. Discard the marinade and grill the chicken until fully cooked. Serves 4.
