Take your chicken dinner on a trip to flavor town this week when you try this savory Italian Chicken Marinade Recipe!
Italian Chicken Marinade Recipe
Are you looking for the ultimate savory Italian Chicken Marinade for this week’s menu? Well, I’ve got just the thing!
Tiffany writes: “Absolutely delicious! Easy and simple marinade and tastes very similar to Chick-Fil-A’s grilled chicken. A+++”
Wondering how to add some life back in to your chicken dinner this week? I’ve got you covered!
Whether on the grill or in the oven, marinating your chicken with this easy Italian Savory Chicken Marinade Recipe is the perfect way to soak in loads of ridiculously delicious flavors to your meat!
The savory dressing mixed with soy sauce and seasonings makes the perfect explosion of flavor!
This quick chicken marinade recipe is one of the easiest things you can do to transform that grilled chicken or baked chicken breast.
It’s simple, delish, and oh-so savory!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get this chicken marinating, shall we?
Here’s what you’ll need to get started…
Related: 51 Delicious BBQ and Grilling Recipes
What is the Basic Marinade Formula?
Every good marinade has 3 main components: Acid, Oil and Seasonings.
Once you’ve got the basic chicken marinade formula down, the options are endless!
For example, in this Savory Italian Marinade, we’ve got oil in the dressing, acid in the soy sauce, and use garlic, onion and pepper for the seasonings.
How Long Should You Marinate Chicken?
For the best texture and flavor of your chicken, I recommend marinating for a minimum of 5 hours… all the way up to overnight.
The maximum you’ll want to marinate your meat is 24 hours.
What is the Easiest Way to Flatten Chicken Breast?
To flatten your chicken breasts to an even thickness for grilling, simply place one chicken breast between two large pieces of plastic wrap.
Then using the flat side of a meat mallet or tenderizer, gently pound your chicken breast flat, starting in the middle. Then repeat the process for each chicken breast.
Now your chicken will cook more evenly, being a similar thickness.
Italian Chicken Marinade Ingredients
You’ll just need 5 simple ingredients to make the BEST Savory Chicken Marinade!
Check your pantry, cupboards or refrigerator, or add the following to your next grocery list to make sure you’ve got everything on hand…
- Italian Dressing
- Soy Sauce
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Black Pepper
How to Make Italian Chicken Marinade
You’re not going to believe how fast and EASY it is to make this savory marinade!
First you’ll need to grab a bowl, whisk, ingredients, and a gallon sized freezer bag.
Here’s what you’ll do…
Combine all your ingredients in mixing bowl.
Whisk until well everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture into a gallon size Freezer Bag.
Add the Meat, Zip Bag, and transfer to Refrigerator to marinate.
See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Italian Chicken Marinade Variations
Want to change things up a bit? Go for it!
For a Soy-Free option, try this…
- Use 1 cup Italian Dressing
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- Half of a White Onion, sliced
Add it to your bag with the same amount of chicken, and transfer to the fridge to marinate.
It’s SO easy… we’ve even taken this camping, and grilled it on our little bbq at dinner time for a nice alternative to burgers and hot dogs!
Judy writes: “I have been making this for years and everyone always raves about it. Like another commenter, I just bake my chicken in the oven in the Italian dressing, just pour it right over the top of the chicken. People fight for seconds on this and also want extra of the marinade that baked with the chicken. They will dip every bite of chicken into it, and always ask for my recipe. They looked puzzled when I say ” sure, pour Italian dressing over chicken and bake it.”
Italian Chicken Marinade Reviews
What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This Savory Chicken Marinade Recipe…
Tiffany writes: “Absolutely delicious! Easy and simple marinade and tastes very similar to Chick-Fil-A’s grilled chicken. A+++”
Aubrey writes: “Absolutely loved this marinade!”
Lindsey writes: “So good and super easy! Gives the chicken a great flavor and keeps it juicy!”
Holly writes: “It was good! Just a few ingredients made is so easy and so tasty!”
Cat writes: “This was great for grilled chicken, thanks”
Danielle writes: “Was so delicious and savory just as it says! Such a compliment to the white rice and green beans!”
Nika writes: “Yum! So few ingredients & so tasty!”
Tiffany writes: “It was awesome! Super juicy and I only had to marinate it for 3 hrs. Came out great. I did use onion salt instead of onion powder. Will be making this again for the family! It got inhaled!”
Karen writes: “So easy to make and so delicious!!!!!!”
Kate writes: “Only marinated for 2 hours and I was worried it wouldn’t have enough flavor, but it was fantastic. Super flavorful and juicy chicken! Loved it.”
Valerie writes: “I made this and it so good!! I baked mine and it turned out delish!!”
Brandon writes: “I added Worcestershire sauce and it turns out great! Made this several times with great success.”
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Italian Chicken Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. thin sliced or flattened Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts fresh or thawed
- ⅔ cup Wish-Bone Italian Dressing
- ⅛ tsp Pepper
- ¼ cup Kikkoman Soy Sauce
- ⅛ tsp Garlic Powder
- ⅛ tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- In small mixing bowl, combine Italian Dressing, Soy Sauce, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Pepper, and whisk until well combined.
- Add mixture and chicken to Gallon Freezer Ziploc Bag.
- Place in the refrigerator to marinate for several hours or overnight, turning and flipping several times.
- When ready for dinner, remove the chicken from the bag, toss the marinade out, and get ready to grill!
- Grill your pre-marinated chicken on the grill outside (8 minutes on each side at 400 degrees or until internal temperature of your chicken is 165 degrees), or on a grill pan inside.
- If you’re not ready to cook it yet… after adding the chicken and marinade to the bag, place directly in the freezer for some pre-marinated chicken later! (Just pull out of the freezer, and defrost in the fridge… letting all of the yummy flavors soak into the chicken prior to cooking.)
Notes
Wasn’t that SO easy?
Thanks to frugal friend Steph for sharing this fabulous Marinade Recipe!
What To Serve With Your Savory Grilled Chicken
Now are you wondering what sides to serve with your grilled chicken?
From coleslaw to green salad, and broccoli salad to sweet potato fries, there’s something fun for everyone!
Here are a few of my family’s favorite options…
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This dreamy, sweet sauce will instantly elevate your sweet potato fries! It’s beyond delicious!
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So have you tried this savory Italian Chicken Marinade recipe yet?
Or do you have another favorite marinade you love?
Share with us in the comments below!
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Emily says
Can I ask why you use a freezer bag to marinate the chicken? Thanks 🙂
Heidi says
Hi Emily ~ I prefer to use the gallon freezer bags as they are a lot stronger than the gallon storage bags. This will help prevent any potential leaks. Hope that helps! 🙂
Emily says
Can you bake this chicken instead of grilling?
Heidi says
Hi Emily ~ yes, you can definitely bake it in the oven if you’d prefer that method.
Marina Torres says
I am trying this recipe tomorrow evening. It is in the fridge marinating over night tonight. Thank you!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Marina… enjoy!! 😉