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Italian chicken marinade

Italian Chicken Marinade

This Italian chicken marinade is bold, herb-packed, and incredibly easy to make with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and a perfectly balanced Italian seasoning blend. It works for grilled, baked, or skillet chicken and guarantees juicy, flavorful results every time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinade Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Italian-American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl to whisk and combine the marinade
  • Whisk to emulsify the oil, acid, and seasoning
  • Tongs: to coat and handle the chicken
  • Grill, skillet, or baking dish: for cooking the chicken
  • Meat thermometer: to ensure chicken reaches 165°F

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar until well combined. Add The Spice Girl Kitchen Italian Seasoning, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper, then whisk again until the marinade is fully blended and fragrant.
  2. Add the chicken and toss well to coat each piece evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
  4. For grilling, cook over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. For baking, place the chicken in a baking dish and cook at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness.
  6. For skillet cooking, heat a pan over medium heat with a drizzle of oil and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Video

Notes

  • Best Cut: Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving, while chicken breast works well when cooked carefully.
  • Chicken Amount: This marinade is designed for up to 2 lbs of chicken. Use 2 lbs for a balanced, well-coated result or 1 lb if you want a stronger, more concentrated flavor.
  • Marinating Time: 30 minutes works, but 4–12 hours gives the best flavor.
  • Make Ahead: Marinate up to 24 hours in advance or freeze chicken directly in the marinade.
  • Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Using Extra Marinade (Important): If you want to use the marinade as a sauce, do not use it straight from the raw chicken. Instead, bring the leftover marinade to a full boil in a saucepan for at least 2–3 minutes to make it safe to eat. You can also reserve a small portion of the marinade before adding the chicken and use that as a finishing drizzle.
  • Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings): 320 calories, 20g fat, 2g carbs, 30g protein, 0g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.