I live for easy marinades for quick, healthy, flavorful dinners. Of all of the marinades in my bag of tricks, this Cilantro and Onion Marinated Chicken is the current favorite and is on repeat all summer.
This marinade, inspired by the Onion Marinade from the flawless Zahav cookbook, comes together in minutes in the blender with ingredients that you probably already have. It’s great after only 30 minutes of marinating time, although obviously better if it marinates longer. The flavor is bright and zippy without being overpowering – I could drink the sauce. Plus, it’s bright green, and how fun is that?!
Make extras and throw this chicken on top of salads all week for the not-sad desk lunch that might even make you want to go to work, just to eat it.

Cilantro and Onion Marinated Grilled Chicken
Easy, healthy and impossible to mess up, this Cilantro and Onion Marinated Grilled Chicken is your new favorite summer BBQ recipe. Use your blender to create a quick and zippy marinade, and sub any fresh herb if you don't like cilantro. Inspired by the Zahav cookbook.
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 2 cups cilantro I just grab a large handful - no need to be precise. If you don't like cilantro, pick another herb (parsley or basil are great substitutes).
- 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
- 2 lemons zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup oil I use canola or veggie.
- 2 tsp kosher salt
For grilling
- 2 lbs chicken breast, diced Thigh also works well, but you may have to adjust cooking time.
- 1 lemon, halved Optional
Instructions
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Put all ingredients except chicken into a blender, and blend until combined.
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Pour into a large bowl or freezer bag and add the chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
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Skewer the chicken, and grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, or until juices run clear (cook time will depend on the size of the chunks). Grill the lemon along with the chicken, if using.
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To serve, squeeze the grilled lemon juice over the chicken and enjoy!
Please cook this for me ASAP!!!!!
You got it!