Grilled Italian Marinated Chicken with a Mediterranean Twist

This Grilled Italian Marinated Chicken dish is a flavorful, aromatic, and succulent entrée that combines the rich culinary traditions of Italy with the zesty freshness of Mediterranean cuisine. Marinated in a mixture of Italian herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection, this chicken is perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal. Paired with roasted vegetables, and a light salad, it’s a vibrant and fulfilling dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
1. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably for 2-4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.

3. Grill the Chicken:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
3. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
4. Use tongs to flip the chicken breast halfway through cooking to ensure even grilling.

4. Serve:
1. Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
3. Optionally, pair with roasted vegetables or a light Mediterranean salad.

Tips:

– Make Ahead: This chicken can be marinated the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
– Cooking Without a Grill: If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stovetop, following the same cooking instructions.
– Pairing: For a complete meal, serve with a side of couscous or quinoa, and a fresh green salad drizzled with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Enjoy this Grilled Italian Marinated Chicken with its delightful blend of tangy, savory, and herby flavors!