This Italian Grilled Chicken is a tasty treat! Marinated in olive oil, lemon, and spices, it’s full of flavor and super juicy. Perfect for summer barbecues!
I love how easy it is to whip up this dish. Just marinate the chicken, grill it, and enjoy! Pair it with fresh veggies or a salad, and you’ve got a meal that shines! 🍗🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, try thighs for juicier meat or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for its flavor. If you’re out of it, you can use canola or avocado oil, which also work well for grilling.
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a nice sweetness and depth to the marinade. White balsamic or apple cider vinegar can be good substitutes if you want a different flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh is best for acidity. If you only have bottled lemon juice, that will suffice in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite as bright. Always keep a few real lemons around!
Dried Oregano: Dried herbs are convenient, but if you have fresh oregano on hand, it can elevate the dish. You can use about 3 times the amount of fresh herbs for the best flavor.
How Do You Properly Marinate Chicken?
Marinating is key to infusing your chicken with flavor and tenderness. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Prep the marinade in a bowl, mixing oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices.
- Put the chicken in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it.
- Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — the longer, the better (up to 8 hours).
Make sure to discard the marinade before grilling; it won’t be safe to reuse. This simple process not only adds taste but also helps keep the chicken juicy during cooking!
How to Make Italian Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian Grilled Chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to marinate. After that, grilling takes about 15 minutes. So, you can enjoy this flavorful dish in around 1 hour and 30 minutes—including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade that makes the chicken juicy and tasty.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For even better flavor, let it marinate for up to 8 hours if you can!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oil them to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink.
5. Grill the Lemon Slices:
In the last few minutes of grilling, add the lemon slices to the grill. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are nice and caramelized. This adds a wonderful flavor!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the chicken, making it more tender.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish your grilled chicken with the caramelized lemon slices and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy your delicious Italian Grilled Chicken!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but cooking times will vary. Bone-in pieces typically take longer to cook, about 10-12 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Make sure to check that the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
No worries! If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. To mimic the sweetness of balsamic, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the marinade.
Can I Prepare the Marinade in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using. This allows the flavors to deepen, making your chicken even tastier!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the microwave or on the stove.
