This Italian Grilled Chicken Marinade has become a go-to in my kitchen, especially during the warmer months. It’s perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to relaxed weekend barbecues.

What I really love about this recipe is how it transforms simple chicken into something truly flavorful. It’s all thanks to the zesty blend of herbs and spices.

Recipe Overview: Italian Grilled Chicken

This recipe is all about a vibrant, herby, and garlicky marinade that infuses chicken with incredible flavor. It’s simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum taste.

Think of it as a flavor explosion! The combination of Italian herbs, lemon juice, and garlic creates a wonderfully balanced marinade that both tenderizes and flavors the chicken.

It’s ideal for grilling, but you can also bake or pan-fry the chicken if you prefer.

This marinated chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it on its own with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

You can also slice it up and add it to pasta dishes, salads, or sandwiches. The possibilities are truly endless!

Italian Grilled Chicken Marinade: Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious marinade:

Olive Oil: 1/2 cup. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, but regular olive oil works too. This forms the base of our marinade.
Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (freshly squeezed is best!). This adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is key here – don’t use the pre-minced stuff! It really makes the flavor pop.
Italian Seasoning: 2 tablespoons. This blend usually includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Check your local spice aisle.
Salt: 1 teaspoon. I use kosher salt, but table salt works too.
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat). Adjust to your preference.
Chicken: About 2 pounds. I am using Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but thighs or drumsticks work great, too.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Italian Marinade

Let’s get marinating!

Combine the Marinade Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined so the flavors can meld.
Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using chicken breasts, and they’re particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly. Or, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This is not essential, but it’s a good trick for quicker cooking.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. If using a bag, seal it tightly, removing any excess air. If using a dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate: Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator. For best results, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. However, for a deeper flavor, 2-4 hours is ideal. You can even marinate it overnight, but I wouldn’t go much longer than that, as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken.
Grilling Time: Pre-heat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Place the chicken directly into the grill grates.
Cook the chicken: Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through. The grilling time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your grill. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Rest and serve: Once the chicken is cook, transfer it into a clean plate. Let it rest for about 5 minutes, This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Variations & Tips for Italian Grilled Chicken

Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fresh or dried herbs. A little rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of oregano can add different flavor dimensions.
Spice It Up: For a more intense heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Make-Ahead: This marinade is perfect for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.
Storage: Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet, oven, or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond serving it as a main course, this chicken is fantastic in salads, wraps, or even on top of pizza!

Key Details

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-15 minutes (depending on the thickness of the chicken)
Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
Total time: 50 minutes to 24 hours and 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Equipment you’ll need: Mixing bowl, resealable bag or shallow dish, grill (or grill pan)

Italian Grilled Chicken Marinade

A vibrant, herby, and garlicky marinade that infuses chicken with incredible flavor. It's simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum taste. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 50

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
About 2 pounds chicken boneless, skinless breasts, thighs, or drumsticks

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
If using thick chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness or slice them in half horizontally.
Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor.
Pre-heat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off.
Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.