Description
This Italian Marinade recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a zesty, herbaceous, and flavorful dish. Featuring a vibrant blend of basil pesto, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and a mix of traditional Italian herbs and spices, this marinade infuses the chicken with juicy, irresistible taste. Perfect for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking, the marinated chicken pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, risotto, pasta, mashed potatoes, or can be enjoyed in salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
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 the Marinade: In a bowl, combine 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. Mix thoroughly to create a balanced, flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the pounded chicken breasts into a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
- Cook the Chicken: When ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and cook using your preferred method—grilling, baking in a preheated oven, or cooking on the stovetop—until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through, usually about 20-25 minutes depending on method.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with sides such as roasted asparagus, risotto, pasta, mashed potatoes, or use in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a fresh and vibrant meal.
Notes
- This marinade is pantry-friendly and requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.
- Pesto adds a secret layer of herbaceous richness to the chicken.
- The recipe is versatile: cook the chicken in the oven, on the grill, or stovetop according to preference or seasonal availability.
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for spiciness to suit your taste.
- Leftover marinated chicken works well in salads, wraps, and sandwiches for easy 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: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
