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Coriander Lemon Chicken Marinade: Your New Meal Prep Hero

This Coriander Lemon Chicken Marinade is slowly becoming a household favorite, thanks to its bright flavors and versatility. The zesty lemon, earthy coriander, and hint of spice make it an easy choice for grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Plus, I recently made a one-pot rice dish using this marinade, and it turned out to be a huge hit!

Part of my Meal Prep series, this marinade is designed to make life simpler and meal planning exciting. I love sharing these freezer-friendly marinades to help streamline weekly meals and take the guesswork out of “What’s for dinner?” With this Coriander Lemon Chicken Marinade in your meal prep rotation, you’ll always have a flavorful, ready-to-cook protein option on hand.

For more flavorful marinades, be sure to explore my other quick and tasty marinade options

• Harissa Chicken marinade
• Lemon Pepper marinade
• Sriracha Parsley Chicken
• …and more

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Ingredients

• Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the lemon.
• 1-2 tsp lemon zest & juice of 1 large lemon: Adds bright acidity and citrus notes that complement the spices.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and juicy.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced: Adds savory depth to the marinade.
• 1 tsp black pepper & 1 tsp chili flakes: Adds a mild heat that pairs well with the lemon and coriander.
• 1 tbsp coriander powder & fresh coriander leaves (a handful, chopped): These add layers of herby, fragrant flavor.
• 450g chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicy and absorb the marinade flavors well.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine lemon zest, juice, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, chili flakes, coriander powder, and fresh coriander. Mix well.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken thighs, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; marinating for 1-2 hours or overnight will deepen the flavors.

3. Cook the Chicken

• Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
• Baking: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet or on the wired rack in the oven, bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
• Pan-Searing: Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Cook each chicken thigh for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked.

4. Serve

Serve hot with a garnish of fresh coriander, paired with salad, rice, or grilled veggies for a well-rounded meal.

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Freezing and Thawing Tips for Safe Meal Prep

If you choose to freeze the marinades, it’s essential to follow proper freezing and thawing techniques for marinated chicken:

1. Freezing: Once the chicken is fully coated in marinade, place it in a resealable freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Label the bag with the date, then freeze for up to 3 months. Freezing the chicken in a single layer can help it thaw more evenly and allows for easier storage.
2. Thawing: Always thaw frozen marinated chicken in the refrigerator. This method takes 12-24 hours but keeps the chicken at a safe temperature. If you’re short on time, place the sealed freezer bag in a bowl of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes) until thawed. Avoid thawing chicken at room temperature, as it can lead to bacterial growth.
3. Cooking After Thawing: Once thawed, cook the chicken immediately to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.

Proper freezing and thawing will maintain the quality of the marinade and ensure safe and delicious meals.

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Tips & Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes based on your heat preference.
• Marinating Time: While 30 minutes works in a pinch, marinating overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
• Leftover Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep it moist.

More Marinade Ideas for Your Meal Prep Arsenal

This Coriander Lemon Marinade is one of several marinades I love using to add variety to weekly meals. For more flavors to keep things interesting, check out [my other marinades in the meal prep collection]. Each one is freezer-friendly and designed to make your weekly meals hassle-free and delicious.

By adding this Coriander Lemon Chicken Marinade to your meal prep routine, you’ll always have a flavorful, ready-to-cook protein option on standby. With simple, fresh ingredients and the perfect blend of citrus and spice, this marinade will become a new staple in your kitchen!