This Italian marinade for chicken gently tenderizes the meat and infuses it with savory and tangy flavor!
It’s made with a lively mix of olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic, and seasonings for an easy anything kind of marinade.
This Is the Best Marinade Because…
- This Italian marinade uses ingredients that you have on hand.
- There are no preservatives.
- It’s perfectly formulated to tenderize while adding tons of flavor.
- It can flavor chicken, fish, shrimp, or veggies!
Ingredients in Homemade Italian Marinade
- Oil – Olive oil is light and adds an earthy flavor. You can use other flavored oils like chili or basil.
- Acid – Red wine vinegar & lemon juice is my first choice, but sub in balsamic or white wine vinegar.
- Flavor – Dijon, garlic, and Italian seasoning add lots of flavor.
- Sweetness – Honey adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. You can replace it with brown sugar.
How to Make Italian Chicken Marinade
- Whisk all ingredients together, as directed in the recipe below.
- Add chicken and marinate for up to 6 hours.
- Remove chicken and grill, bake, or broil as desired.
Tips for Marinating Chicken
- Do not over-marinate chicken, as it will become mushy from the acids breaking down the meat.
- Cook chicken to 165°F whether it’s grilled, baked, broiled, or cooked on the stovetop.
- Keep leftover unused marinade in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator and use within 4 days for the best flavor.
- Freeze leftover marinade in ice cube trays, pop one or two out, and add to veggies or pasta!
More Marinades to Try
Grilled Vegetables with Balsamic Marinade
Ginger Soy Marinade
Ginger Garlic Salmon Marinade (grilled, baked or broiled)
Easy Pork Tenderloin Marinade
The Best Chicken Marinade
Did your family love this Italian Chicken Marinade? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
Italian Chicken Marinade
Try this Italian marinade on chicken, fish, or veggies for a tangy flavor infused in every bite!
Equipment
Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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In a medium glass bowl or freezer bag, combine all ingredients and mix well.
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Add up to 2 lbs of chicken and toss to coat.
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Marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill, bake, or broil as desired.
Notes
To Grill Boneless Chicken Breasts
Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken 7-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest 3-5 minutes before serving. Store unused marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken 7-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest 3-5 minutes before serving. Store unused marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 179 | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Sodium: 611mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 22IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Chicken, Dip, Dressing, Sauce
Cuisine American, Italian
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This recipe is wonderful. We grilled ours, and the flavor of the chicken was delicious. Definitely a keeper!
I’m so glad you loved it Alan!