Discover the best marinade for chicken with cilantro and lemon to prepare a delicious and refreshing meal that combines tangy taste with a distinctive aromatic flavor. This marinade is characterized by its perfect blend of fresh lemon juice and olive oil, rich in beneficial fatty acids, making it the ideal choice to add a tasty and healthy flavor to chicken. Honey provides antibacterial and antifungal properties, while chopped cilantro offers antioxidant benefits and improves digestion. Garlic enhances heart health, and salt adds the perfect flavor to elevate this marinade. Whether you are preparing grilled or fried chicken, enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal packed with the essential nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and active. Keep reading to discover the ingredients and step-by-step preparation method.

Ingredients:

1. 2 tablespoons of olive oil
2. 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
3. 1.5 tablespoons of honey
4. Half a cup of chopped cilantro leaves
5. 2 cloves of minced garlic
6. 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Preparation Tips:

Marinating Time and Duration: For the best taste and delicious flavor, it's recommended to marinate the chicken for at least two hours. If you want a deeper and stronger flavor, it's best to leave it in the fridge overnight. A longer marinating time helps the chicken absorb the marinade better, resulting in a rich and distinct taste.

Best Ways to Prepare Chicken:

• On the Grill: If you prefer grilling the chicken, make sure to place the chicken over medium to high heat, flipping the pieces regularly to avoid burning the marinade. It's recommended to brush some of the marinade on the chicken while grilling to enhance the flavor.
• In the Oven: To prepare the chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the chicken on a baking tray and cook for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. For tender and juicy chicken, you can cover it with aluminum foil at the beginning, then uncover it in the last few minutes to allow the outer layer to turn golden brown.

Note: These ingredients are suitable for those who enjoy a refreshing and tangy flavor but may not be ideal for those who dislike the sour taste of lemon or the flavor of cilantro.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: Contains unsaturated fatty acids that help reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood, promoting cardiovascular health. It also contains antioxidants that combat inflammation and improve skin health.
• Lemon Juice: Rich in Vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, enhances iron absorption from food, and acts as an antioxidant to protect cellular health.
• Honey: Naturally antibacterial and antifungal, it boosts immunity, soothes sore throats, provides a natural energy source, and aids digestion.
• Chopped Cilantro: Packed with powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation, support digestive health, and help detoxify the body.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, it helps lower cholesterol levels and promotes cardiovascular health. It also contains compounds that fight infections.
• Salt: Helps regulate fluid levels in the body and supports electrolyte balance, but should be consumed in moderation to maintain healthy blood pressure.

Calories and Nutritional Values

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: Approximately 240 kcal
• Fat: 27g (of which 3.7g are saturated fats)
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: Approximately 8 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin C: About 20mg (approximately 33% of the daily requirement)

Honey (1.5 tablespoons):

• Calories: Approximately 90 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g (sugar)
• Protein: 0g

Chopped Cilantro (1/2 cup):

• Calories: Approximately 1 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.2g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Vitamin A: 3% of the daily requirement

Garlic (2 minced cloves):

• Calories: Approximately 8 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0.3g
• Vitamin C: About 1mg (approximately 2% of the daily requirement)

Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: About 500mg

Total Calories for the Dressing (based on quantities):  
Approximately 347 kcal for all ingredients combined.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can the marinade be used with other types of meat?
   • Yes, this marinade can be used with fish or red meats such as beef or lamb. It adds a wonderful and balanced flavor to all types of meats.
2. What is the ideal marinating time for the best taste?
   • It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least two hours to get a good flavor. If you want a deeper taste, it is better to leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Can honey be replaced with another sweetener?
   • Yes, honey can be replaced with another sweetener such as brown sugar or maple syrup, depending on your preference. However, this may slightly affect the final taste.
4. Can this marinade be used for other purposes, such as marinating vegetables?
   • Yes, this marinade is also suitable for marinating roasted vegetables like potatoes and carrots. It adds a refreshing and delicious flavor to them.
5. Can the marinade be prepared in advance?
   • Yes, the marinade can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This saves you time when preparing multiple meals or when meal prepping.