Get ready to take your Italian cooking to the next level with these 19 flavorful Italian chicken marinade recipes! From classic combinations like lemon and garlic to bold flavors like spicy Calabrian, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for special occasions, these marinated chicken recipes are sure to please.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of Italian-inspired marinades that combine the simplicity of chicken with the bold flavors of Italy. From herbs and spices to citrus and cheese, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring out the best in your chicken. So grab a fork and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Italian chicken marinades!
Lemon Garlic Italian Chicken Marinade
Brighten up your chicken dishes with this refreshing and flavorful marinade, featuring the zesty combination of lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, parsley, basil, and Italian seasoning. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s coated evenly.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to overnight (up to 8 hours).
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herb Infused Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful marinade that combines the brightness of herbs with the warmth of Italy. Perfect for grilling, baking, or sautéing.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and Dijon mustard. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the chicken in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preferred method: grill for 5-7 minutes per side, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or sauté in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat.
Cooking Time: 15-30 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this tangy and flavorful marinade, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This balsamic glaze-infused recipe combines the richness of Italy’s finest flavors with the simplicity of chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, parsley, and oregano.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly.
3. Cover and 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 excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or bake for 15-18 minutes, until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-20 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful marinade featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a blend of Italian herbs. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill or bake chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Parmesan Italian Chicken Marinade
Add a rich and savory twist to your chicken with this creamy parmesan Italian marinade recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion, this flavorful blend is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and oregano.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat.
3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
5. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Spicy Calabrian Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this bold and aromatic marinade inspired by the spicy flavors of Calabria, Italy. This recipe combines the heat of Calabrian peppers with the richness of olive oil and herbs for a truly unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup Calabrian chili flakes (or substitute with red pepper flakes)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
– 1 tablespoon freshly chopped oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, Calabrian chili flakes, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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 according to your preference (grilling time: 4-6 minutes per side; baking time: 15-20 minutes).
Classic Olive Oil and Rosemary Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this timeless and aromatic marinade, perfect for grilling or baking. The combination of olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and lemon creates a flavorful profile that’s quintessentially Italian.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary until well combined.
2. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts (1-2 pounds) in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s coated evenly.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours or overnight (8 hours).
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
6. Grill or bake chicken according to your preference.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes per side on the grill or 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
White Wine and Thyme Italian Chicken Marinade
A classic combination of flavors, this marinade brings together the brightness of white wine and the earthiness of thyme to create a deliciously tender and flavorful chicken dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together white wine, olive oil, thyme, garlic, 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 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill or bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tuscan Herb Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful Tuscan herb marinade, perfect for grilling or baking. This classic Italian-inspired recipe combines the bright flavors of herbs and lemon to create a dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, garlic, parsley, and oregano.
2. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (up to 24 hours).
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preference: grill for 5-7 minutes per side or bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-30 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful marinade featuring roasted red peppers and Italian herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 roasted red peppers (see note), peeled and seeded
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add roasted red peppers and blend until smooth.
4. Place chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the top.
5. Seal bag or cover dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook according to your preference (grilled or baked) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Butter Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful garlic butter Italian marinade! This simple and aromatic recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, butter, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.
2. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat (400°F).
4. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 15-20 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Honey Mustard Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful Honey Mustard Italian Chicken Marinade recipe! This marinade combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, creating a delicious and aromatic blend that’s perfect for grilled or baked chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey, mustard, and garlic until smooth.
2. Add the olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Place chicken breasts or thighs in a large ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours before grilling or baking.
5. Cook chicken according to your preference: grill for 5-7 minutes per side or bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15-30 minutes
Fresh Basil and Pine Nut Italian Chicken Marinade
Add a burst of Italian flavor to your chicken with this simple and delicious marinade. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying, this recipe combines the freshness of basil with the nutty taste of pine nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp freshly chopped basil
– 2 tbsp pine nuts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
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. Cook according to your preferred method.
Cooking Time:
– Grilled: 5-7 minutes per side
– Baked: 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C)
– Pan-fried: 3-4 minutes per side
Smoked Paprika Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful marinade, blending the smokiness of paprika with the brightness of Italian herbs. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken, this recipe is a staple for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces (breasts or thighs) to the marinade, coating evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
5. Grill or bake chicken until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Citrus and Herb Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with the zesty flavors of Italy, combining bright citrus notes with fragrant herbs. This marinade is perfect for grilled or baked chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, and rosemary. Blend until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the marinade mixture and salt. Add chicken breasts (4-6) and toss to coat.
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, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Cook chicken according to your preference: grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15-30 minutes
Rosemary and Red Wine Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this savory marinade, perfect for grilled or baked chicken. The combination of rosemary, red wine, garlic, and lemon creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine red wine, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight (8-12 hours).
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (grilled) or 30-35 minutes (baked)
Pesto Infused Italian Chicken Marinade
Pesto Infused Italian Chicken Marinade Recipe
Transform your chicken breasts into a flavorful Italian masterpiece with this simple and aromatic marinade. Perfect for grilling or baking, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together pesto sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and basil.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Cook chicken according to your preferred method (grilling: 5-7 minutes per side; baking: 20-25 minutes at 375°F).
Cooking Time: 10-30 minutes
Garlic and Herb Yogurt Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken dishes with this flavorful marinade that combines the richness of yogurt, pungency of garlic, and freshness of herbs. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender or food processor still running, slowly pour in the olive oil to create an emulsion.
3. Place chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, making sure they are fully coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (grilled) or 35-40 minutes (baked)
Zesty Lemon Pepper Italian Chicken Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this zesty marinade that combines the brightness of lemon, the warmth of pepper, and the depth of Italian herbs. Perfect for grilled or baked chicken, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, coarsely ground
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt, to taste
– 1-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, black peppercorns, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Place chicken in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish.
4. Pour marinade over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
5. Seal bag or cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
6. Preheat grill or oven to desired temperature. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off.
7. Cook chicken according to your preference (grilled: 5-7 minutes per side, baked: 20-25 minutes).
Cooking Time: 15-40 minutes
Summary
Discover the flavors of Italy with these 19 mouth-watering chicken marinades! From classic combinations like lemon garlic and herb infused, to bold choices like spicy Calabrian and smoked paprika, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a show-stopping Sunday roast, these recipes are sure to impress. With ingredients ranging from sun-dried tomatoes to creamy parmesan, you’ll find the perfect blend of flavors to elevate your chicken dishes.