what does lemon juice do to chicken

Today I’ll be sharing my favorite recipe for lemon chicken marinade along with marinating tips for delicious results every time. What I love about this chicken marinade recipe is that it yields amazing, flavorful chicken in just 20 minutes. Just watch.

If there’s one ingredient I can always rely on, it’s chicken. It’s versatile, full of protein, and easy to create a healthy meal everyone will want to eat and we all know that the right marinade creates a more flavorful piece of chicken.

This simple and light marinade with lemon, garlic, and oregano is just what you need to take your cooked chicken up a notch.

It’s simple to whisk up and adds a ton of flavor to baked, grilled, or pan sauteéd chicken. This marinade works great on many of my simple chicken dinner ideas.

If you are looking for more recipe inspiration – check out the MOMables meal plans for families.

The lemon juice tenderizes the chicken and keeps it juicy inside. It doesn’t need to marinate overnight, so I can make it for dinner whenever I crave grilled chicken. In fact, it shouldn’t marinate for more than 3 hours or it could start to break down too much (see “Marinating with Citrus” below). It’s versatile!
what does lemon juice do to chicken

Lemon Chicken Marinade Recipe

This Lemon Oregano Chicken makes a healthy and light meal full of bright flavors from the lemon juice and oregano. I love serving it over a big salad or with a side of grilled asparagus.

You can use the marinade with any cut of meat and even make a little extra and reserve it as a dressing for the salad. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • olive oil: coats the chicken with lemon and herbs.
  • lemon juice & zest: fresh lemon is a must! The acids in the juice cut through the olive oil, and add flavor while the zest gives the chicken a delicious aroma.
  • garlic: lemon chicken wouldn’t be complete without freshly grated garlic!
  • salt & black pepper: enhance the flavors of the marinade ingredients.
  • dried oregano: swap for 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano.

what does lemon juice do to chicken

Serve with: Lemon Roasted Asparagus

How Long to Marinate Chicken

The benefit of using an acidic marinade like orange or lemon is the acids enter the meat extremely quickly. Unlike soy marinades like the ones in my Korean Chicken Bowls, Thai Chicken, and Balsamic Marinade which can be prepped overnight – this marinade is for those of us who need a flavorful meal, fast.

This quick lemon marinade requires just 20 minutes to enhance the flavor of this amazing chicken.

If you’re planning ahead, you can also use this marinade overnight, but I don’t recommend marinating chicken for over a day. After that, the cooked texture of the meat declines.

How to Use Lemon Juice as a Marinade⎢Martha Stewart

FAQ

What does adding lemon juice to chicken do?

Lemon is acidic and helps balance the stronger flavor of the dark meat in thighs and legs, and the fat from the chicken skin.

What happens if you marinate chicken in lemon juice too long?

Important: If your marinade is full of fresh citrus or vinegar, like the one in this chicken skewers recipe, keep the marinating time below an hour for optimal results. Poultry marinated in citrus, like lemon or lime juices, or vinegars can turn mushy and stringy if left to soak for too long.

Why do people put lemon on chicken?

Acidity: Lemons contain citric acid, which helps tenderize tough cuts of meat by breaking down proteins. This makes them ideal for marinating meats, especially poultry, fish, and pork. 2. Enhancing flavor: Lemons contribute bright and tangy flavors that complement the natural tastes of the meat.

Does lemon juice turn chicken white?

Over time the acids in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken before it even hits the grill or the heat source, turning it white and affecting its texture. If a protein spend too long marinating in lemon juice, the texture can start to break down and become mushy.

Why do you rinse chicken with lemon juice?

Like pickling, smoking, and curing, the practice of rinsing chicken with lemon juice probably started out as a way to neutralize any off-aromas in the meat and cut down on bacteria.

How can one get all the lemon juice out of a lemon?

To get all the lemon juice out of the lemon, you need to squeeze it using a good juicer. Then you can remove a little of the pulp with a spoon and add it to the previously squeezed juice.

Is lemon juice good for raw chicken?

Lemon juice is dual purpose when combined with raw chicken; it tenderizes the raw chicken and adds a delicious flavor. It’s best not to leave raw chicken sitting in lemon juice for too long as it can alter the texture as it breaks the protein down.

Does lemon juice make chicken tender?

The acidity in the lemon juice breaks down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Additionally, the lemon juice can help infuse the chicken with a bright, tangy taste. How long should I marinate chicken breast in lemon juice?

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