Print

Italian Dressing Chicken Marinade: A Flavorful Recipe for Juicy Grilled Chicken

This Italian Dressing Chicken features tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty Italian dressing, making it a flavorful and easy dish perfect for grilling or baking. Ideal for any meal, it pairs well with various sides and is great for meal prep. Enjoy a delicious, versatile meal that’s sure to please!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for extra tang)

Instructions

  1. Gather all the ingredients listed above.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Italian dressing, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Whisk until well combined.
  3. Taste the marinade and adjust flavors as desired.
  4. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  5. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
  7. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
  9. Lightly oil the grill grates. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For a charred effect, sear for the first 2 minutes on each side before moving to a cooler part of the grill.
  10. Place the chicken in a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden top.
  11. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
  12. Slice the chicken against the grain or serve whole.
  13. Pair with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, or quinoa.
  14. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
  15. Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature.
  16. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  17. For longer storage, wrap and freeze the cooked chicken.

Notes

  • Adjust the marinade ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
  • This recipe is great for meal prep and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.