Marinated Chicken Italiano

Prep: 180 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Italian

Juicy marinated chicken grilled to perfection with a flavorful Italian dressing coating, ideal for casual gatherings or family dinners with vibrant, savory flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 to 3 lb. chicken pieces
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing

Instructions

  1. Pour Italian dressing over chicken in a shallow dish.
  2. Cover and marinate in refrigerator, turning occasionally, for 3 hours or overnight.
  3. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade.
  4. Grill or broil chicken, turning and basting frequently with reserved marinade, until cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just three hours. If you don't have Italian dressing, a mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs can serve as a great substitute. Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally during marination to ensure even flavor absorption. For a twist, consider adding garlic or lemon juice to the marinade for extra zest.

Serving Suggestions

This Marinated Chicken Italiano is delicious served alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, pair it with Angel Hair Pasta With Chicken or serve it over a bed of Moe'S Rice. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can enhance the dish's presentation and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover marinated chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, grill or broil the chicken briefly to maintain moisture, or microwave it covered on low power until heated through. Avoid reheating it too long to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marinated Chicken Italiano contains roughly 264 calories, with 10g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

264 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.1g 20% DV
Total Fat 19.1g 24% DV
Carbs 13g 5% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 3.3g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 669.2mg 29% DV
Potassium 182.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 34.4mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.7mcg
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 10.8mg 1% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well for this marinade. They will cook faster than bone-in pieces, so adjust your grilling or broiling time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

What if I don't have a grill?

If you don't have a grill, you can broil the chicken in your oven. Place the chicken on a broiler pan and cook it under the broiler, turning occasionally, until thoroughly cooked and slightly charred, about 20-25 minutes.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just place it in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling or broiling.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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