This savory Italian Chicken Marinade is the grill-happy chicken recipe you’ve been looking for. You’ll just need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep to effortlessly create outstanding flavorful, juicy chicken!
Try it today… then enjoy even more delicious grilled chicken when you also try this flavorful Greek Chicken Marinade and this taste bud pleasing Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Marinade, too!
Italian Chicken Marinade Recipe
Believe me… this wildly delicious chicken is the big flavored, no fail dinner you’ve been looking for!
Tiffany writes: “Absolutely delicious! Easy and simple marinade and tastes very similar to Chick-Fil-A’s grilled chicken. A+++”
Whether on the grill OR in the oven…
Just lovingly soak your chicken in this savory Italian chicken marinade, and prepare to be dazzled!
The savory dressing mixed with soy sauce and seasonings serves up exceptional chicken every time.
It’s simple, delish, and oh-so savory!
It’s true. This quick chicken marinade recipe is one of the easiest things you can do to upgrade your grilled chicken or baked chicken breast.
So get ready to soak your chicken with loads of irresistible savory goodness.
Because with so much flavor and so little kitchen cleanup…
This big flavored chicken marinade is the perfect way to create an unforgettable chicken dinner!
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 for chicken, 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.
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 a few simple ingredients to make the BEST Italian chicken marinade for grilling!
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
That’s it. Just 5 Easy Ingredients are all you’ll need to create this amazing Italian grilled chicken marinade!
How to Make Italian Chicken Marinade
You’re not going to believe how fast and EASY it is to make this savory Italian dressing chicken marinade!
First you’ll need to grab a bowl, whisk, ingredients, and a gallon sized freezer bag.
Here’s what you’ll do…
1. Combine all your ingredients in mixing bowl.
2. Whisk until well everything is well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into a gallon size Freezer Bag.
4. Add the Chicken to the Freezer Bag, and transfer to Refrigerator to marinate.
5. Flip your bag multiple times as your chicken marinates.
You can either prepare your chicken after marinating, or place in the freezer to use for later.
See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Easy 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 refrigerator 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.”
How To Grill Your Marinated Italian Chicken
You can grill your pre-marinated chicken on the grill outside.
You’ll want to grill your chicken for 8 minutes on each side at 400 degrees. Or until internal temperature of your chicken is 165 degrees.
Or instead, you can simply grill it on a grill pan inside.
What To Serve With Your Savory Grilled Chicken
Now are you wondering what dinner 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…
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Green Salad with Honey Balsamic Salad Dressing
- Sweet and Sour Coleslaw
- Sweet Potato Fries dipped in Sweet Marshmallow Dipping Sauce
Italian Chicken Marinade Recipe Reviews
What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This Simple 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.”
Sarah writes: “Very tender and flavorful. Husband enjoyed.”
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.”
Did You Enjoy This Recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a comment & review below!
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
- Gather your ingredients.
- 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
- Use 1 cup Italian Dressing
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- Half of a White Onion, sliced
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!Wasn’t that SO easy?
Thanks to frugal friend Steph for sharing this fabulous Marinade Recipe!
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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!
Excellent!!!
I made Chicken Kabobs with your marinade tonight and it was delicious. I did add a few shakes of chili pepper for a tiny bite.
I marinated the chicken for 4 hours and the chicken was tender and still juicy. I will definitely be adding this marinade into my rotation.
Hi Bianca,
I am so glad you liked the recipe… and loved your idea to add some chili pepper. That is the perfect way to add some fun heat!
Can I ask why you use a freezer bag to marinate the chicken? Thanks 🙂
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! 🙂
Can you bake this chicken instead of grilling?
Hi Emily ~ yes, you can definitely bake it in the oven if you’d prefer that method.
I am trying this recipe tomorrow evening. It is in the fridge marinating over night tonight. Thank you!
You’re very welcome, Marina… enjoy!! 😉