Description
This Italian Marinade recipe infuses chicken breasts with a tangy, herbaceous blend of basil pesto, red and balsamic vinegars, lemon juice, and a mix of Italian herbs and spices, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken perfect for grilling, baking, or stovetop cooking. Ideal for a busy weeknight or a weekend meal, it pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted asparagus, risotto, pasta, or mashed potatoes and can be used in salads, wraps, or 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 with 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 black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and better absorption of the marinade.
- Make 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, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over them, and ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover or seal, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook using your preferred method—grill over medium heat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or cook on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, then serve with your favorite 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 works well as a make-ahead option; the longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
- You can substitute balsamic vinegar with additional red wine vinegar if preferred.
- For a low spiciness option, omit or reduce the red pepper flakes.
- Use a grill pan or skillet if an outdoor grill is not available.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
