Description
This Italian Marinade recipe creates a zesty, herbaceous, and juicy chicken with a balanced tangy and savory blend of pesto, vinegars, lemon juice, and Italian herbs and spices. Perfect for grilling, oven cooking, or stovetop, the marinade infuses the chicken with effortless, bold flavor suitable for a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 medium chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
Marinade
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (may substitute red wine 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 Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the 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 all ingredients together until well blended to form the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the pounded chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse deeply into the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Cook the chicken on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop over medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through. Cooking time is approximately 20-25 minutes depending on method and thickness.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Serve the flavorful Italian marinated chicken with sides like roasted asparagus, risotto, pasta, mashed potatoes, salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
Notes
- This Italian Chicken Marinade is best when marinated at least 4 hours and up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- You can substitute balsamic vinegar with additional red wine vinegar if needed.
- Pesto is the key ingredient that elevates the flavor - use good quality basil pesto.
- Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F internally to ensure it is safe and juicy.
- Serve with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or incorporate into salads and wraps for versatile meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
