This Italian Grilled Chicken Marinade is a winner for quick flavor! With zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs, it gives chicken a tasty Italian twist, making every bite juicy and yummy.
I love how easy it is to prepare! Just mix, marinate, and grill. It makes weeknight dinners so much more fun! And who doesn’t love the smell of grilling chicken? 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is the base for your marinade. I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but you can swap it out for vegetable oil if you’re looking for something lighter.
Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic adds a lovely sweetness and acidity. If you don’t have it, try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just remember, they may change the flavor a bit, so adjust to your taste!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the marinade. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh is always best for the flavor. Lime juice can also work if you want to mix it up!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a robust flavor. For convenience, garlic powder can be a substitute—use about 1 teaspoon. But fresh has a special zing that makes this marinade shine.
Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs add depth. If you have fresh herbs, feel free to use those instead. You’ll want to triple the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Red Pepper Flakes: This is optional but a great way to add a little heat. If you prefer milder, just leave it out or use smoked paprika for a different flavor twist!
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to making your chicken flavorful and juicy! Here’s how to get the best out of this step:
- Use a resealable bag for easy coating. It lets the marinade hug the chicken better.
- Marinate for a minimum of 1 hour, but if you have more time, letting it sit overnight really intensifies the flavor.
- Remember not to reuse the marinade. Always discard it after marinating for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps keep it juicy, as the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
How to Make Italian Grilled Chicken Marinade
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. If you have more time, marinating overnight will give the chicken even more flavor. Total time, including grilling, is about 30-40 minutes if you include the marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix well until it’s all nicely combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated all over. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better for a deeper flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and throw away the leftover marinade. Grill each chicken breast for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and it’s cooked through. You want a nice grilled color on each side!
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is grilled, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into strips and serve it with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Italian grilled chicken!
Can I Use a Different Type of Vinegar?
Absolutely! If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious! If you want to mimic the sweetness of balsamic, add a little honey or maple syrup to your marinade.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but you can marinate it overnight for even more depth of flavor. Just don’t exceed 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
Can I Grill Chicken from Frozen?
It’s recommended to thaw the chicken before grilling for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the frozen chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour to thaw it quickly. Avoid grilling the chicken straight from frozen as it will cook unevenly.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop to retain juiciness. Alternatively, slice the chicken and toss it in a salad or pasta dish for a quick meal!
