Get ready to fall in love with the rich flavors of Italy! Italian chicken marinades are a staple in many Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and when done right, can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 17 tangy Italian chicken marinade recipes that your family will adore.
From classic combinations like garlic and herb to bold flavors like spicy Calabrian and sweet and spicy, these mouthwatering marinades are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course, we’ve got you covered with our collection of delectable Italian chicken marinade recipes.
Garlic and Herb Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful marinade that combines the savory flavors of garlic, herbs, and Italy. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they are coated evenly.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Basil Italian Chicken Marinade
Brighten up your chicken with the zesty flavors of Italy! This marinade combines the brightness of lemon, the subtlety of basil, and a hint of garlic to create a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, basil, and oregano.
2. Process until smooth, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
6. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
7. Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato and Balsamic Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful marinade featuring sun-dried tomatoes and balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Rosemary Garlic Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful marinade, featuring the aromatic combination of rosemary and garlic. Perfect for grilling or baking, this recipe is a great way to add depth and complexity to your meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup lemon juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and oregano.
2. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade and cook according to your preference.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (grilled) or 35-40 minutes (baked).
Parmesan Italian Herb Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful marinade, featuring the perfect blend of savory parmesan, aromatic herbs, and a hint of garlic. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Stir in Parmesan cheese until well combined.
3. Place chicken breasts (up to 4) in a shallow dish or zip-top plastic bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to cook the chicken according to your preference.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled chicken: 6-8 minutes per side
– Oven-roasted chicken: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this rich and creamy marinade, inspired by the flavors of Tuscany.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, heavy cream, garlic, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (marinating) + 20-25 minutes (cooking)
Spicy Calabrian Italian Chicken Marinade
Add a kick of heat to your chicken with this aromatic marinade inspired by the bold flavors of Calabria, Italy. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken, this spicy and savory blend will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup Calabrian chili flakes (or substitute with red pepper flakes)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, Calabrian chili flakes, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
2. Blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.
3. Place chicken breasts (or thighs) in a large ziplock bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled: 15-20 minutes
– Baked: 25-30 minutes
Citrus and Thyme Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with a zesty and aromatic marinade featuring the perfect blend of citrus, thyme, and Italian flair. This easy-to-make marinade is ideal for grilling, baking, or sautéing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and oregano. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the marinade in a large bowl or zip-top plastic bag. Add the chicken and mix well to coat.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook the chicken according to your preferred method (grilling: 6-8 minutes per side; baking: 20-25 minutes; sautéing: 5-7 minutes).
Cooking Time: 15-30 minutes
White Wine Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful White Wine Italian Chicken Marinade! Perfect for grilled or baked chicken, this marinade combines the classic flavors of Italy with a hint of white wine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook chicken according to preference (grilled: 5-7 minutes per side; baked: 20-25 minutes).
Cooking Time: 15-45 minutes
Olive Oil and Oregano Italian Chicken Marinade
Transform your chicken into a flavorful Italian-inspired dish with this simple marinade recipe, perfect for grilled or baked chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped oregano, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) in a shallow dish or ziplock bag.
3. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled chicken: 5-7 minutes per side
– Baked chicken: 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C)
Classic Italian Dressing Chicken Marinade
Classic Italian Dressing Chicken Marinade: A flavorful and easy-to-make marinade that combines the tanginess of Italian dressing with the richness of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Italian dressing
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Place chicken breasts or tenders in the marinade, turning to coat evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade and cook according to preference (grilled: 5-7 minutes per side; baked: 20-25 minutes).
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours (marinating time) + 5-7 minutes (grilling) or 20-25 minutes (baking)
Capers and Lemon Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this bright and zesty marinade, featuring the perfect balance of citrusy lemon and savory capers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, capers, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Grilled Italian Chicken Marinade with Red Pepper Flakes
Savor the bold flavors of Italy with this simple yet impressive grilled chicken marinade recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick of heat that complements the herby notes of basil and oregano.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish; pour marinade over the top. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Fresh Sage and White Wine Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this aromatic marinade, featuring the earthy flavor of fresh sage and the crisp taste of white wine. Perfect for grilling or baking, this recipe is a twist on traditional Italian flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped sage leaves
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine chopped sage, white wine, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, then transfer the marinade to a large zip-top plastic bag.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly.
4. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Garlic Butter Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful marinade, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Rich garlic butter and Italian seasonings come together to create a mouthwatering blend that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, butter, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet and Spicy Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this sweet and spicy marinade, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook chicken as desired (grill or bake).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mushroom and Rosemary Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this aromatic marinade, featuring the earthy flavors of mushrooms and rosemary. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup mushroom duxelles (or sautéed mushrooms)
– 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, mushroom duxelles, rosemary, garlic, and oregano. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. If using white wine, add it to the pan and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these 17 tangy Italian chicken marinade recipes! From classic combinations like Garlic and Herb to unique twists like Spicy Calabrian, there’s something for every palate. Discover how to combine the bold flavors of Italy – think lemon, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan – to create mouthwatering dishes your family will adore. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course, these recipes are sure to please.
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