How long it takes: about an hour, depending on the cooking method you choose Equipment you’ll need: bowl or zip-top bag for marinating Servings: 4 Black pepper combined with lemon juice and zest (yes, and some garlic, too) is even better—and it’s the perfect flavor combination to bring out the best in chicken. The acidic, bright pop of the lemon complements the earthy warmth of the black pepper, and it all comes together to make this chicken an absolute standout.
Easy Lemon Pepper Chicken Marinade
Everyday ingredients. Store-bought marinades can be pricy! This recipe calls for fresh lemon and pantry ingredients, so it’s easy and economical. Versatile. This lemon pepper chicken can be cooked on the grill, baked in the oven, or even prepared in the air fryer. Basically, any way you like to cook chicken will work here! I share instructions for each method below. Flavorful, juicy chicken. At the end of the day, this is what it’s all about—tender, juicy, delicious chicken that your whole family will devour! You can use whatever cut of chicken you like best.
Ingredient Notes
Olive oil: An everyday olive oil you like to use for cooking is perfect. Lemon: You’ll need both the juice and the zest, so zest the lemon first. (It’s very hard to zest a juiced lemon!) Garlic: The lemon juice cuts the bite of fresh garlic, so this lemon pepper chicken marinade is pleasantly garlicky without packing a big punch. Kosher salt: Always my go-to for cooking. Coarse ground black pepper: It’s so important that you use freshly ground black pepper which has a much more dynamic flavor. Chicken: This marinade works for wings, chicken breasts, thighs, legs, whatever!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Marinade
Make the marinade. Whisk all of the ingredients in a bowl or measuring cup. I like to use a liquid measuring cup because the spout makes it easy to pour! Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken in a large bowl or in a zip-top bag. Pour in the marinade and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to a day. Don’t marinate longer than this or the chicken can become mushy. Cook. Remove the chicken from the fridge and discard the marinade. Grill, bake, or air fry the chicken until it reaches 165ºF on an instant read thermometer.
More Ways to Use This Marinade
Vegetables. This marinade isn’t just for meat! Try marinating vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, and mushrooms before grilling or roasting them. Fish. Marinate salmon or tilapia instead of chicken. The lemon and pepper flavors work well with shrimp, too. Note that you never want to leave shrimp or fish in an acidic marinade for more than 30 minutes because they’ll actually begin to cook and that will affect the flavor and texture. Kabobs. Thread chicken and veggies onto skewers and place them in a baking dish or zip-top bag with the marinade. Turn them occasionally (or shake the bag) for even flavoring.
Serving Ideas
Vegetables. Pair your lemon pepper chicken with roasted radishes or roasted broccoli. Actually, it goes well with pretty much any vegetable, roasted or otherwise. I often serve it with simple sautéed asparagus or sautéed spinach. Potatoes. Round out the meal with dill roasted potatoes with lemon (my husband’s favorite potatoes!). If you’re grilling the chicken, grilled rosemary potatoes are an easy side dish. Rice or quinoa. Serve the chicken over a bed of Instant Pot brown rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious juices. Salad. The bright, zippy flavor of lemon pepper chicken makes it perfect for adding to salads! Cut it into strips and serve it on top of your favorite bagged salad or this hearty barley salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley. Pasta. I love adding lemon pepper chicken to simple pasta dishes. In the summer when tomatoes are garden-fresh, this fresh tomato pasta is a winner.
Storage Tips
As lemon juice oxidizes, it can cause the flavors to change so it’s best to use this marinade as soon as you make it for the freshest, brightest flavor. That said, it will last in the fridge for up to a week if you do need to make it in advance. Interested in a weekly meal plan that includes this recipe? Take a look at Meal Plan #91. You’ll find a wholesome recipe for each weekday plus a categorized grocery list. We add a new meal plan weekly.
