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Homemade French Chicken Marinade recipe photo

French Chicken Marinade

A simple herb-and-garlic marinade that brightens and tenderizes chicken for quick searing.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup mild olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced or pressed
  • 1/4 cup white or yellow onion, minced about 1/3 of a small onion
  • 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast

Equipment

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • garlic press (optional)
  • Citrus juicer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Resealable Plastic Bag

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the oregano, lavender, thyme, rubbed sage, marjoram, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and minced onion; whisk until thoroughly mixed.
  2. Trim excess fat and cartilage from the chicken breasts, then pound or slice them to an even 1/2-inch thickness so they cook quickly and evenly.
  3. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade; seal the bag and massage it so the chicken is evenly coated. Refrigerate and marinate for 1 hour.
  4. Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Transfer the chicken directly from the bag to the pan, keeping any herbs and onion that cling to the meat.
  5. Sear the chicken on each side until cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached, about a few minutes per side depending on thickness.
  6. Remove from the pan and let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Keep chicken no more than 1/2 inch thick for quick, even cooking.
  • Marinate for about 1 hour for best flavor absorption.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Leave the herbs and minced onion on the chicken when searing for extra flavor.