Easy Italian Chicken Marinade
A bright and zesty marinade that makes any chicken dinner taste like a fresh Italian meal.
recipesbynani.comThere is something wonderful about a simple marinade that does all the heavy lifting for you. This Italian inspired blend uses pantry staples like olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs to give your chicken a punch of flavor before it even hits the pan or grill.
People love this recipe because it keeps the meat moist and tender while adding a lovely herbal note. If you have the extra time, let the chicken sit in the fridge for a few hours so the flavors really soak in.
๐งบ Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
๐ฉโ๐ณInstructions
- 1
Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper together in a medium bowl.
- 2
Place your chicken into a large resealable bag or a shallow glass dish.
- 3
Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated.
- 4
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes, or up to four hours for the best flavor.
- 5
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook on the grill, stovetop, or in the oven until fully cooked through.
๐ก Tips
You can store this marinade in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week before using. If you have leftover cooked chicken, it tastes great sliced cold over a fresh garden salad the next day.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
You might also like

Nani's Classic Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
A hearty and soul warming pot of tender chicken and soft homemade dumplings that tastes just like home.

Nani's Favorite Crispy Beef Tacos
These crispy beef tacos are a family favorite because they are crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Fresh Mango Chicken Salad
A beautiful mix of sweet mango, savory chicken, and crunchy pecans tossed in a bright homemade dressing.

Simple Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
This easy homemade stir fry features succulent shrimp and crisp broccoli coated in a savory garlic ginger sauce.