Transform your chicken dishes with this flavorful Italian chicken marinade. The combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and aromatic Italian seasoning creates a delicious base that infuses the chicken with rich, savory notes. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying, this marinade will elevate your meal to a new level of deliciousness.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up red wine vinegar and Italian seasoning if they are not already in your kitchen. Red wine vinegar adds a tangy depth of flavor, while Italian seasoning brings a blend of herbs that are essential for achieving that authentic Italian taste.

Ingredients for Italian Chicken Marinade Recipe
Olive oil: This is the base of the marinade, providing richness and helping to distribute the flavors evenly.
Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the olive oil.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the marinade with a robust, aromatic flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the marinade its distinctive Italian flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the marinade and helps to tenderize the chicken.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and depth to the marinade.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To maximize the flavor absorption, make small cuts or slashes in the chicken before marinating. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat, ensuring a more flavorful and juicy result.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar fat content, making it a good alternative for marinades.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and tang, which can mimic the flavor profile of red wine vinegar.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlic flavor, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence contains a mix of herbs that can closely replicate the flavor of Italian seasoning.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a different depth of flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and flavor profile but is slightly milder and less visually noticeable.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
To store the Italian chicken marinade, transfer any unused marinade to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. This ensures the olive oil and garlic maintain their freshness and flavor.
If you plan to freeze the marinated chicken, place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all pieces are well-coated before sealing the bag. Lay the bag flat in the freezer to save space and allow for even freezing.
For best results, freeze the marinated chicken for up to three months. This will preserve the flavors of the red wine vinegar and Italian seasoning.
When ready to use, thaw the marinated chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the meat.
If you have leftover cooked Italian chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes for a quick and delicious addition to salads, soups, or sandwiches.
For freezing cooked chicken, allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
Stovetop Reheating: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is heated through. This method helps to maintain the crispy exterior if you originally pan-fried the chicken.
Microwave Reheating: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap steam. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This is the quickest method but may result in slightly drier chicken.
Grill Reheating: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is heated through. This method is great for retaining the smoky flavor if you originally grilled the chicken.
Sous Vide Reheating: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 140°F (60°C). Place the chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag and immerse it in the water bath for about 45 minutes. This method ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender, as it reheats evenly.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and whisk together the marinade ingredients.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into a smooth marinade.
Resealable plastic bag: A bag used to marinate the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated and allowing for easy storage in the refrigerator.
Shallow dish: An alternative to the resealable plastic bag, used to marinate the chicken while keeping it covered in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator: An appliance used to chill the marinating chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor.
Tongs: A tool used to handle the marinated chicken pieces when transferring them from the marinade to the cooking method.
Grill: An option for cooking the marinated chicken, providing a smoky flavor and charred texture.
Oven: An appliance used for baking the marinated chicken if you prefer a more controlled cooking environment.
Skillet: A pan used for pan-frying the marinated chicken, offering a quick and easy cooking method.
Meat thermometer: A device used to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Mince the garlic and measure out the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and seasonings the night before.
Use a food processor: Quickly blend the marinade ingredients in a food processor for a smoother consistency.
Double the recipe: Make extra marinade and store it in the fridge for up to a week for future use.
Marinate in the morning: Place the chicken in the marinade before you leave for work, so it's ready to cook by dinner time.
Pre-cut chicken: Use pre-cut chicken breasts or thighs to save on prep time.

Italian Chicken Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Remove chicken from marinade and cook as desired (grill, bake, or pan-fry).
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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