Easy Italian Chicken Marinade
Infuse your chicken with the bold, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Easy Italian Chicken Marinade! This simple yet flavor-packed recipe combines extra-virgin olive oil, zesty red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. A touch of garlic and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes bring depth and a subtle kick, while optional honey adds a delicate sweetness for perfectly balanced flavor. Perfect for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, this versatile marinade tenderizes and enriches your protein in just minutes of prep time. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this effortless recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights or casual weekend cookouts. Serve alongside roasted vegetables, pasta, or a crisp green salad to create a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Honey (optional for sweetness)
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using). Whisk together until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is completely coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 2-8 hours. Do not exceed 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the remaining marinade.
Cook the chicken as desired: grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or pan-sear over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1732 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.9 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2881 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.1 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 216.9 g | 434% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 130 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 7.7 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1928 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
