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5.0 from 9 votes

Citrus Chicken Marinade

Looking for the BEST citrus chicken marinade recipe? This 5-ingredient citrus marinade for chicken is made with easy-to-find ingredients and yields a wonderfully juicy piece of meat, whether you pan fry, bake or grill it.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 1 lb. chicken
Calories: 391 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic 
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 lb. chicken breasts, thighs, etc.

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Measure the orange juice and olive oil into a large bowl or casserole dish using a liquid measuring cup. (You could also do this in a gallon-sized plastic bag with a zipper top.)
  2. Add the minced garlic, taco seasoning and salt to the marinade. Whisk to combine the ingredients.
  3. Place the chicken into the marinade. Make sure the chicken is immersed in the marinade.
  4. Cover the bowl or casserole dish with plastic wrap, and transfer to the fridge.
  5. Let the meat marinate for 1-2 hours. (Do not let it marinate for more than 3 hours. Otherwise, the texture of the chicken will become mushy.)
  6. When ready to use, remove the chicken from the marinade. Dispose of the marinade.
  7. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning with salt and pepper and cooking.

Notes

  • You can double or triple this recipe to marinate more chicken. You can do that in the same bowl if it is large enough. The key is making sure all the chicken has been immersed in the marinade for maximum flavor.
  • How to store Citrus Chicken Marinade: Make it in advance! Make and mix it in a mason jar, and let it hang out in the fridge for up to a week before marinating the chicken.
  • Also, please note that you should dispose of the chicken marinade after removing the chicken from it. It should not be reused or served as a sauce since raw chicken marinated in it.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 serving Calories 391kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 5g (2%) Protein 28g (56%) Fat 28g (43%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 20g Cholesterol 107mg (36%) Sodium 341mg (14%) Sugar 3g (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1lb. chicken

Amount Per Serving

Calories 391

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 serving
Calories 391kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 5g 2%
Protein 28g 56%
Fat 28g 43%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 20g 118%
Cholesterol 107mg 36%
Sodium 341mg 14%
Sugar 3g 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.