Description
This Italian Chicken Marinade recipe delivers a zesty, herbaceous, and flavorful chicken perfect for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking. The marinade combines basil pesto, vinegars, lemon juice, and Italian herbs and spices to infuse the chicken breasts with juicy, vibrant flavor. Easy to prepare and pantry-friendly, this marinade guarantees a delicious main course that pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, risotto, pasta, or salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 3 medium chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine basil pesto, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, dried oregano, crushed dried rosemary, paprika, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the pounded chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the chicken by grilling, baking in the oven, or stovetop pan frying until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the outside is nicely browned and cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes depending on cooking method and thickness.
- Rest and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm alongside roasted asparagus, risotto, pasta, mashed potatoes, or use in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a vibrant and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
- You can substitute balsamic vinegar with extra red wine vinegar if needed.
- This marinade works well with other cuts of chicken such as thighs or drumsticks.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.
- Serve with your favorite Italian sides or incorporate the cooked chicken into wraps and salads for versatile meals.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure all spices and pesto brands are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
