Our easy Italian Marinated Grilled Chicken is a flavorful, simple dish that brings Italian-inspired flavors to your backyard grill. The chicken is marinated in a blend of oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, fresh basil, and Italian seasoning, allowing it to absorb all of those deep, savory flavors throughout the meat. This process keeps the chicken juicy and tender when grilled. This is an ideal recipe for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
Grilled Chicken with Italian Marinade
I know that there’s really no such thing as “cheap meat” these days, or cheap ANYTHING, really, but finding a big pack of chicken pieces on sale is about as close as you can get.
This recipe transforms normal run-of-the-mill chicken into something really incredible, and it is easy to throw together and can pair so well with so many different meals and sides.
The combination of a classic Italian marinade and grilled chicken is a recipe that you’ll want to have on repeat. The marinade not only infuses rich flavors into the chicken but also helps tenderize the meat. Allowing the chicken to marinate for 12-24 hours enhances its flavors, while grilling at a high temperature ensures a perfectly crispy skin. By rotating the chicken frequently, you achieve an even cook with a golden finish. This recipe offers a balance of bold Italian flavors with a fresh twist from lemon and herbs.
Why you’ll love it!
- Bold Flavors: The Italian seasoning, garlic, and fresh basil create a rich, aromatic marinade.
- Juicy Texture: Marinating the chicken for hours helps it stay tender and moist.
- Easy to Grill: With a simple rotation method, this recipe ensures even cooking and a crispy skin.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Minimal Prep: Just mix, marinate, and grill—ideal for busy weeknights or weekend BBQs.
More Easy Traeger Chicken Recipes here!
Grilled Chicken with Italian Marinade shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on)
- Italian seasoning rub
- Oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Water
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
How to make Italian Marinated Grilled Chicken
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine all ingredients in a large ziplock bag, seal, and mix well. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Set the grill to 425°F.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and pat dry.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken directly on the grill, turning every 6-7 minutes to prevent burning.
- Check the Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing the chicken from the grill.
Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe
FAQ
Can I Make This Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. This helps the flavors fully penetrate the meat. After grilling, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How Do I Reheat Grilled Chicken?
Reheat the chicken by wrapping it in foil and placing it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps retain moisture and prevents drying out.
What Substitutions Can I Make?
You can substitute the red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter flavor. If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil works as a replacement. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Can I Use Boneless Chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, but reduce grilling time to ensure they don’t dry out. Adjust the cooking time according to the size and thickness of the pieces.
Serve This With…
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus complement the flavors perfectly.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with a vinaigrette ties in well with the Italian marinade.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm, toasty garlic bread rounds out the meal nicely.
This Grilled Chicken with Italian Marinade is a straightforward yet satisfying dish. The simple preparation allows for a relaxed cooking experience, while the deep, savory flavors will make this meal a favorite. It’s perfect for busy nights or for impressing guests at a weekend barbecue.
More great chicken recipes to love!
More Italian-Inspired Recipes
Grilled Italian Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken pieces bone in skin on
- 1/4 cup Italian seasoning rub
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 whole sliced lemon
- 3 cloves crushed garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Put the chicken and all the other ingredients into a large ziplock bag, close the bag and mix all the ingredients together.
- Place the bag in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
- Take the chicken out of the marinade and pat dry with a towel.
- Place the pieces of chicken directly onto the grill preheated to 425 degrees.
- Turn the chicken over every 6 or 7 minutes to avoid burning one side.
- Let the chicken cook on the grill for about 25 minutes.
- Temp check the chicken with a reliable temperature prob.
- When the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees, pull the chicken from the grill and serve with sides.
Tools & Equipment
Nutrition
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.