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Low-Cal Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade Easy Recipe

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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Calorie count per serving: About 200 calories per chicken breast - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 30g - Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 5g This marinade is light yet full of flavor. Each ingredient adds a unique touch. The lemon juice gives it a zesty kick, while the herbs bring freshness. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist during cooking. Garlic adds depth, and honey balances the tartness. You’ll find this recipe is not just low-cal but healthy too. Each chicken breast packs in protein, making it great for muscle building. The herbs and spices contribute valuable nutrients without extra calories. This dish fits well into many diets. It's perfect for anyone wanting to eat light but still enjoy tasty food. Plus, it’s easy to make and fun to share with friends and family. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need a large bowl. In this bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and honey. Mix well until it is fully combined. This mix gives the chicken a bright, zesty flavor. Next, add the chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don't forget the lemon zest! Stir until all ingredients blend nicely. This marinade will soak into the chicken, making it juicy and tasty. Now, let’s coat the chicken. Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. This step is key for flavor. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. For the best taste, marinate overnight if you can. When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should not be pink inside. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. Slice it up, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal! To make your chicken shine, you can add more herbs or spices. Try adding more thyme or rosemary for a stronger taste. You can also mix in a bit of oregano or basil for a fresh twist. Fresh herbs pack more flavor than dried ones. If you use dried herbs, cut the amount in half since they are stronger. Grilling chicken is all about the right heat. Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps cook the chicken evenly. Avoid flipping too often; let it sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side. To prevent dry chicken, let it rest after cooking. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat. Pair your lemon herb chicken with light sides. A crisp salad or roasted veggies works great. For a fun touch, serve it on a bed of mixed greens with lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. Don’t forget to sprinkle more herbs on top for a beautiful finish! Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the herbs and lemon to deeply infuse the meat. Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. This helps achieve a nice sear and keeps the chicken juicy. Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and enhancing flavor. Serving Suggestion: Pair the chicken with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a refreshing meal. The zesty flavors complement fresh greens beautifully. {{image_2}} You can swap honey or agave with other sweeteners. Try using maple syrup or coconut sugar for a unique taste. Each sweetener brings its own flavor. You may also want to experiment with herbs. Instead of rosemary or thyme, you can use basil or oregano. These herbs provide different flavor profiles and aromas. Mixing and matching can lead to new favorites. You have options for cooking the chicken. Baking is a great choice if you prefer a hands-off method. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Grilling is another fantastic option. It adds a smoky flavor and creates nice grill marks. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. You can also use a slow cooker. Place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and easy to shred. Get creative when serving the chicken. You can wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal. Add fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce for extra flavor. You can also slice the chicken and add it to a salad. Toss it with mixed greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing. This makes a light and healthy lunch or dinner. Enjoy exploring these serving ideas! To store marinated chicken, place it in a sealed bag or dish. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to use it within this time for the best taste. If you have leftover cooked chicken, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze marinated chicken, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For the best flavor, use it sooner. When ready to cook, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing it at room temperature, as this can lead to bacteria growth. To reheat cooked chicken, use a microwave, oven, or skillet. The microwave is quick but can dry the meat out. For best results, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the chicken juicy. If using a skillet, add a bit of water or broth. Cover the pan to trap steam and keep the chicken moist. You should marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. For the best taste, aim for 2 hours. If you have time, letting it sit overnight works wonders. The longer it marinates, the juicier and more flavorful it will be. Yes, this marinade works well with other meats. You can use it for pork, fish, or shrimp. Just keep in mind that different meats have different marinating times. Fish needs less time, about 15-30 minutes. Pork can marinate for 1-2 hours, just like chicken. Using a low-calorie marinade helps keep your meals light and healthy. It adds flavor without adding too many calories. This is great for weight management. Low-calorie marinades can also help enhance the taste of lean meats. They make eating healthy more enjoyable. It is not safe to reuse marinade once it touches raw meat. Bacteria from the raw meat can stay in the marinade. If you want to use it again, bring it to a boil first. This kills harmful bacteria. Alternatively, you can set aside some marinade before adding the chicken. This way, you can use it later safely. In this blog post, we explored how to make a flavorful grilled chicken. We covered the ingredients, preparation methods, and cooking techniques. You learned about enhancing flavor, various cooking methods, and storage tips. Remember, marinating is key to juicy chicken. Don't be afraid to try new herbs or cooking methods. Enjoy making this dish your own, and share it with family or friends! Your next meal can be both healthy and delicious.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a simple, tasty way to spice up your chicken while keeping it low-cal? You’ve come to the right place! This Low-Cal Lemon Herb Chicken Marinade recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken without the extra calories. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps, share tips, and even give you some fun variations. Let’s get cooking and add some zest to your meals!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bright and Fresh Flavor: The combination of lemon juice and zest with fresh herbs creates a bright and refreshing flavor that is perfect for any season.
  2. Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  3. Healthy Option: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein source, and the marinade is made with wholesome ingredients.
  4. Versatile Dish: This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from salads to roasted vegetables, making it a versatile meal choice.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Nutritional Information

  • Calorie count per serving: About 200 calories per chicken breast
  • Macronutrient breakdown:
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g

This marinade is light yet full of flavor. Each ingredient adds a unique touch. The lemon juice gives it a zesty kick, while the herbs bring freshness. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist during cooking. Garlic adds depth, and honey balances the tartness.

You’ll find this recipe is not just low-cal but healthy too. Each chicken breast packs in protein, making it great for muscle building. The herbs and spices contribute valuable nutrients without extra calories.

This dish fits well into many diets. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to eat light but still enjoy tasty food. Plus, it’s easy to make and fun to share with friends and family.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the Marinade

To start, you need a large bowl. In this bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and honey. Mix well until it is fully combined. This mix gives the chicken a bright, zesty flavor.

Next, add the chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget the lemon zest! Stir until all ingredients blend nicely. This marinade will soak into the chicken, making it juicy and tasty.

Marinating the Chicken

Now, let’s coat the chicken. Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. This step is key for flavor.

Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. For the best taste, marinate overnight if you can.

Cooking Instructions

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade.

Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should not be pink inside.

After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. Slice it up, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To make your chicken shine, you can add more herbs or spices. Try adding more thyme or rosemary for a stronger taste. You can also mix in a bit of oregano or basil for a fresh twist. Fresh herbs pack more flavor than dried ones. If you use dried herbs, cut the amount in half since they are stronger.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling chicken is all about the right heat. Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps cook the chicken evenly. Avoid flipping too often; let it sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side. To prevent dry chicken, let it rest after cooking. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your lemon herb chicken with light sides. A crisp salad or roasted veggies works great. For a fun touch, serve it on a bed of mixed greens with lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. Don’t forget to sprinkle more herbs on top for a beautiful finish!

Pro Tips

  1. Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the herbs and lemon to deeply infuse the meat.
  2. Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. This helps achieve a nice sear and keeps the chicken juicy.
  3. Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and enhancing flavor.
  4. Serving Suggestion: Pair the chicken with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a refreshing meal. The zesty flavors complement fresh greens beautifully.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can swap honey or agave with other sweeteners. Try using maple syrup or coconut sugar for a unique taste. Each sweetener brings its own flavor. You may also want to experiment with herbs. Instead of rosemary or thyme, you can use basil or oregano. These herbs provide different flavor profiles and aromas. Mixing and matching can lead to new favorites.

Cooking Methods

You have options for cooking the chicken. Baking is a great choice if you prefer a hands-off method. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Grilling is another fantastic option. It adds a smoky flavor and creates nice grill marks. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. You can also use a slow cooker. Place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and easy to shred.

Serving Variants

Get creative when serving the chicken. You can wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal. Add fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce for extra flavor. You can also slice the chicken and add it to a salad. Toss it with mixed greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing. This makes a light and healthy lunch or dinner. Enjoy exploring these serving ideas!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store marinated chicken, place it in a sealed bag or dish. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to use it within this time for the best taste. If you have leftover cooked chicken, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to freeze marinated chicken, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For the best flavor, use it sooner. When ready to cook, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing it at room temperature, as this can lead to bacteria growth.

Reheating

To reheat cooked chicken, use a microwave, oven, or skillet. The microwave is quick but can dry the meat out. For best results, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the chicken juicy. If using a skillet, add a bit of water or broth. Cover the pan to trap steam and keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

How long should I marinate chicken?

You should marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. For the best taste, aim for 2 hours. If you have time, letting it sit overnight works wonders. The longer it marinates, the juicier and more flavorful it will be.

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Yes, this marinade works well with other meats. You can use it for pork, fish, or shrimp. Just keep in mind that different meats have different marinating times. Fish needs less time, about 15-30 minutes. Pork can marinate for 1-2 hours, just like chicken.

What are the benefits of using a low-calorie marinade?

Using a low-calorie marinade helps keep your meals light and healthy. It adds flavor without adding too many calories. This is great for weight management. Low-calorie marinades can also help enhance the taste of lean meats. They make eating healthy more enjoyable.

Is it safe to reuse marinade?

It is not safe to reuse marinade once it touches raw meat. Bacteria from the raw meat can stay in the marinade. If you want to use it again, bring it to a boil first. This kills harmful bacteria. Alternatively, you can set aside some marinade before adding the chicken. This way, you can use it later safely.

In this blog post, we explored how to make a flavorful grilled chicken. We covered the ingredients, preparation methods, and cooking techniques. You learned about enhancing flavor, various cooking methods, and storage tips.

Remember, marinating is key to juicy chicken. Don’t be afraid to try new herbs or cooking methods. Enjoy making this dish your own, and share it with family or friends! Your next meal can be both healthy and deliciou

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Calorie count per serving: About 200 calories per chicken breast - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 30g - Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 5g This marinade is light yet full of flavor. Each ingredient adds a unique touch. The lemon juice gives it a zesty kick, while the herbs bring freshness. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist during cooking. Garlic adds depth, and honey balances the tartness. You’ll find this recipe is not just low-cal but healthy too. Each chicken breast packs in protein, making it great for muscle building. The herbs and spices contribute valuable nutrients without extra calories. This dish fits well into many diets. It's perfect for anyone wanting to eat light but still enjoy tasty food. Plus, it’s easy to make and fun to share with friends and family. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need a large bowl. In this bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and honey. Mix well until it is fully combined. This mix gives the chicken a bright, zesty flavor. Next, add the chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don't forget the lemon zest! Stir until all ingredients blend nicely. This marinade will soak into the chicken, making it juicy and tasty. Now, let’s coat the chicken. Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. This step is key for flavor. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. For the best taste, marinate overnight if you can. When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). The chicken should not be pink inside. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. Slice it up, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal! To make your chicken shine, you can add more herbs or spices. Try adding more thyme or rosemary for a stronger taste. You can also mix in a bit of oregano or basil for a fresh twist. Fresh herbs pack more flavor than dried ones. If you use dried herbs, cut the amount in half since they are stronger. Grilling chicken is all about the right heat. Preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps cook the chicken evenly. Avoid flipping too often; let it sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side. To prevent dry chicken, let it rest after cooking. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat. Pair your lemon herb chicken with light sides. A crisp salad or roasted veggies works great. For a fun touch, serve it on a bed of mixed greens with lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. Don’t forget to sprinkle more herbs on top for a beautiful finish! Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the herbs and lemon to deeply infuse the meat. Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken on it. This helps achieve a nice sear and keeps the chicken juicy. Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and enhancing flavor. Serving Suggestion: Pair the chicken with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a refreshing meal. The zesty flavors complement fresh greens beautifully. {{image_2}} You can swap honey or agave with other sweeteners. Try using maple syrup or coconut sugar for a unique taste. Each sweetener brings its own flavor. You may also want to experiment with herbs. Instead of rosemary or thyme, you can use basil or oregano. These herbs provide different flavor profiles and aromas. Mixing and matching can lead to new favorites. You have options for cooking the chicken. Baking is a great choice if you prefer a hands-off method. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Grilling is another fantastic option. It adds a smoky flavor and creates nice grill marks. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. You can also use a slow cooker. Place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and easy to shred. Get creative when serving the chicken. You can wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal. Add fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce for extra flavor. You can also slice the chicken and add it to a salad. Toss it with mixed greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing. This makes a light and healthy lunch or dinner. Enjoy exploring these serving ideas! To store marinated chicken, place it in a sealed bag or dish. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to use it within this time for the best taste. If you have leftover cooked chicken, store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to freeze marinated chicken, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For the best flavor, use it sooner. When ready to cook, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing it at room temperature, as this can lead to bacteria growth. To reheat cooked chicken, use a microwave, oven, or skillet. The microwave is quick but can dry the meat out. For best results, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the chicken juicy. If using a skillet, add a bit of water or broth. Cover the pan to trap steam and keep the chicken moist. You should marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. For the best taste, aim for 2 hours. If you have time, letting it sit overnight works wonders. The longer it marinates, the juicier and more flavorful it will be. Yes, this marinade works well with other meats. You can use it for pork, fish, or shrimp. Just keep in mind that different meats have different marinating times. Fish needs less time, about 15-30 minutes. Pork can marinate for 1-2 hours, just like chicken. Using a low-calorie marinade helps keep your meals light and healthy. It adds flavor without adding too many calories. This is great for weight management. Low-calorie marinades can also help enhance the taste of lean meats. They make eating healthy more enjoyable. It is not safe to reuse marinade once it touches raw meat. Bacteria from the raw meat can stay in the marinade. If you want to use it again, bring it to a boil first. This kills harmful bacteria. Alternatively, you can set aside some marinade before adding the chicken. This way, you can use it later safely. In this blog post, we explored how to make a flavorful grilled chicken. We covered the ingredients, preparation methods, and cooking techniques. You learned about enhancing flavor, various cooking methods, and storage tips. Remember, marinating is key to juicy chicken. Don't be afraid to try new herbs or cooking methods. Enjoy making this dish your own, and share it with family or friends! Your next meal can be both healthy and delicious.

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Delight

A flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 piece zest of lemon

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and honey. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Add the chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, lemon zest, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are nicely blended.
  • Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight if possible.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade.
  • Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for more moisture and flavor.

Notes

Serve the grilled chicken on a bed of mixed greens, garnished with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs for an eye-catching, vibrant dish.
Keyword chicken, grilled, herbs, lemon, marinade

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