Lemon Taco Marinade
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This lemon taco marinade recipe started off as part of a combination of a few recipes all in my Lemon Taco Chicken Dinner post. However, as time has gone by, more and more people have told me they really wanted this marinade recipe separated so they could quickly access it. Well, ask and you shall receive!
You can’t go wrong with a 4-ingredient recipe that you can whip up and let sit until you’re ready to cook it (or toss it all in a slow cooker so it’s ready when you get home from work)! That’s what everyone loves about this recipe! It’s everything you need for any time of the day meal! Continue reading to get details on cooking methods (grill, baking, stovetop, or slow cooker). Otherwise, scroll down to the recipe card and make the marinade.
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HOW TO MAKE THE LEMON TACO MARINADE
This easy marinade comes together in just minutes!
- Prepare marinade: Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl or measuring cup. Whisk together.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken in a large resealable food-safe bag and pour marinade over the top. Close securely and gently massage marinade into breasts. Marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 24 hours.
JENN’S TIPS AND TRICKS
Want to make even fewer dishes? Put everything straight into a large food-safe bag that will also be used for marinating the chicken. Close securely and gently massage marinade into breasts.
The longer the better when it comes to marinating, but you also don’t want to go too long. You need to be careful because the acidity from the marinade can actually damage the meat by breaking it down too much!
SAFETY FIRST
All poultry should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C), as recommended by the USDA. The best way to ensure that your food reaches the correct temperature is by using a food thermometer. Consider using the ThermoWorks Thermapen® ONE or the ThermoWorks ThermoPop® 2 for accurate temperature readings every time!
COOKING METHODS
Marinated chicken can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, on the stovetop or in a slow cooker! Here are my tips for cooking it best:
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until cooked through. The chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Baste the chicken occasionally with the reserved marinade. Remove the chicken from the grill and tent with foil. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the marinated chicken on a shallow baking sheet or pan and cook for 18 to 22 minutes (or 450°F for 15 to 18 minutes if you’re in a hurry) or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Baste as often as you can for the best flavor.
- Stovetop: Preheat a skillet over medium-high and lightly grease. Cook chicken for 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Use a stovetop grill pan for those pretty sear marks!
- Slow cooker: put all of the marinade ingredients straight into the slow cooker, add the chicken, cover your slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-7 hrs or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken should reach 165°F. You can then shred the chicken for nachos, taco bowls, or tacos.
STORAGE DETAILS
It’s best to use this (or any marinade) immediately. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days in a food-safe jar BEFORE the meat is added.
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COOKING WITH KIDS
DISCLOSURE: These tips are generalized, and meant to be suggestive. Everything I’m sharing I do with my kids, and they are all different even within my own five. So please take these as suggestions or ideas and if you think your child needs more or less help, then go with what you and your child are comfortable with. Ultimately, you know your kids, do what YOU think is best.
This is a fantastic recipe for kids to help with!
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Cheers 🥂,
Lemon Taco Marinade
- Total Time: 25 minutes minimum marinating time
- Yield: approximately 1 cup of marinade 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Lemon Juice from 2 lemons [approximately 5-6 Tablespoons lemon juice]
- 3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce [about 1/2 teaspoon]
- 2 Tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
Instructions
Mix everything, put the chicken into a food-safe bag, and pour the marinade over . carefully press out the air let sit for at least 2/3 hrs, but overnight is even better.
Notes
TIP:
Want to make even fewer dishes? Put everything straight into a large food-safe bag that will also be used for marinating the chicken. Close securely and gently massage marinade into breasts.
MARINADE DETAILS:
The longer the better when it comes to marinating, but you also don’t want to go too long. You need to be careful because the acidity from the marinade can actually damage the meat by breaking it down too much!
FOOD COOKING SAFETY
All poultry should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C), as recommended by the USDA. The best way to ensure that your food reaches the correct temperature is by using a food thermometer. Consider using the ThermoWorks Thermapen® ONE or the ThermoWorks ThermoPop® 2 for accurate temperature readings every time!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- marinating time:: 20 minutes (minimum)
- Cook Time: depends on method-see notes
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