You don’t need a fancy recipe. Grab a bowl, add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Toss in your chicken breasts and let them hang out for 20 minutes while you chop veggies. The acid in the lemon (or yogurt, or buttermilk) breaks down the meat’s surface without turning it into mush.
Caution: Don’t leave it overnight. Acid marinated chicken can turn mealy, like wet cardboard. Trust me, I learned that the hard way during a “marathon meal prep” session that ended with sad, crumbly breasts.
How to velvet chicken for stir fry (chicken stir fry marinade)
One pro tip: add a little honey or maple syrup to balance the acid. The sugars caramelize when you cook, giving you a golden crust that tastes like a hug.
