Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian Chicken Marinade is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The acidity from the vinegar and lemon juice, combined with the richness of the olive oil and Dijon mustard, makes it ideal for tenderizing and adding depth to your protein or vegetables. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or broiling, this marinade ensures juicy, flavorful results every time. It’s versatile, easy to make, and will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic (minced) or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium glass bowl or freezer bag, combine the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Marinate the Protein: Add up to 2 lbs of chicken (or fish or veggies) to the marinade and toss to coat. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, ensuring the marinade coats everything evenly.
- Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours for a more intense flavor.
- Cook: Once marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill, bake, or broil the chicken as desired.
- To Grill Boneless Chicken Breasts: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Use for Fish or Veggies: This marinade works equally well on fish (like salmon or tilapia) or vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms.
- Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Lighter Version: Substitute honey with maple syrup or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
- Herb Swap: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Storage
Store any unused marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also double or triple the recipe to have extra marinade ready for future meals.
FAQs
1. How long can I marinate chicken in this marinade?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but for the best flavor, aim for 3-6 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the meat too much.
2. Can I freeze the marinade?
Yes, you can freeze the marinade for future use. Simply place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
3. Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Yes! This marinade is perfect for chicken, fish, beef. You can also use it for tofu or veggies if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
4. Can I grill the chicken with the marinade still on it?
It’s best to discard the marinade before cooking the chicken to avoid any contamination from raw chicken. This will ensure a safe and delicious result.
5. Can I make this marinade ahead of time?
Yes, this marinade can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s great for meal prep and perfect to have on hand for a quick dinner option.
6. Can I use dried rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning?
Yes, you can use dried rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil as substitutes for Italian seasoning if you prefer a more specific herb flavor.
7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F when the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Can I use this marinade on grilled vegetables?
Yes, this marinade works beautifully with vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Marinate the veggies for about 30 minutes before grilling.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe if you’re cooking for more people or want to have extra marinade for future use.
Conclusion
This Italian Chicken Marinade is an easy, flavorful way to elevate your chicken, fish, or veggie dishes. With a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, this marinade will give your meals an added boost of deliciousness. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or broiling, it’s a must-try recipe for any home cook looking to add a bit of Italian flair to their meals!
Italian Chicken Marinade
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Marinating, Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Italian Chicken Marinade combines olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning to create a tangy and flavorful marinade that works perfectly for chicken, fish, or vegetables. It’s easy to make and adds delicious depth to your meals.
Ingredients
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 clove garlic (minced) or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a medium glass bowl or freezer bag, combine the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add up to 2 lbs of chicken (or fish or veggies) to the marinade and toss to coat. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, ensuring the marinade coats everything evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours for a more intense flavor.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill, bake, or broil the chicken as desired.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
Substitute honey with maple syrup or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version.
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
