Name: Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breast; 16 oz Italian style salad dressing; ¼ tsp lemon pepper; salt

Delight your taste buds with this flavorful marinated grilled chicken recipe. The tangy Italian style salad dressing combined with the subtle hint of lemon pepper creates a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a casual family dinner or a summer barbecue, this recipe promises to impress.

Photos of Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry, but if you're heading to the supermarket, make sure to pick up Italian style salad dressing. It's the key to achieving the rich, tangy marinade that makes this dish so special. Also, don't forget lemon pepper for that extra zing.

Ingredients For Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

chicken breast: The main protein, it needs to be rinsed and patted dry before marinating.

Italian style salad dressing: This provides the marinade's main flavor, adding tanginess and herbs.

lemon pepper: Adds a zesty note to the chicken, enhancing its flavor profile.

salt: Used to season the chicken and enhance its natural flavors.

One reader, Lamar Saunders says:

This marinated grilled chicken recipe is a game-changer! The Italian dressing adds incredible flavor, and the lemon pepper gives it a perfect zing. The chicken turns out juicy and delicious every time. Highly recommend!

Lamar Saunders

Techniques for Perfectly Grilled Marinated Chicken

Yes

How to rinse chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold running water to remove any surface contaminants. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they are ready for marinating.

How to marinate: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow glass bowl and pour the Italian-style salad dressing over them. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.

How to oil a grill: Lightly coat the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use a brush or a paper towel dipped in oil.

How to preheat a grill: Turn on the grill and set it to medium-high heat. Allow it to preheat for about 10-15 minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.

How to grill chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook them over medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

How To Make Marinated Grilled Chicken

Savor the smoky flavors with this grilled chicken marinated in an Italian style-dressing before grilled until perfectly charred and golden brown.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 3 hours

Total: 3 hours 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4chicken breast,skinless, boneless, halves
16ozItalian style salad dressing,(½ bottle)
¼tsplemon pepper
salt,to taste

Instructions

Rinse chicken and pat dry. Place in a shallow glass bowl and pour salad dressing over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
Lightly oil grill and preheat to medium-high.
Remove chicken breasts from marinade. Season with lemon pepper and salt to taste.
Grill over medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes on each side or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Nutrition

Calories: 808.89kcal
Fat: 72.91g
Saturated Fat: 14.95g
Trans Fat: 0.18g
Monounsaturated Fat: 23.43g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 30.74g
Carbohydrates: 2.95g
Fiber: 0.05g
Sugar: 2.84g
Protein: 36.30g
Cholesterol: 111.36mg
Sodium: 668.76mg
Calcium: 20.29mg
Potassium: 394.40mg
Iron: 1.31mg
Vitamin A: 41.81µg

Pro Tip for Grilling Marinated Chicken

To ensure your chicken breasts are evenly cooked and juicy, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness before marinating. This not only helps the marinade penetrate more effectively but also ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly on the grill.

Time-Saving Tips for Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

Marinate overnight: Prepare the chicken breasts and marinate them in the Italian style salad dressing the night before. This saves time and enhances flavor.

Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, reducing guesswork and cooking time.

Preheat the grill: While the chicken is coming to room temperature, preheat your grill to save time and ensure even cooking.

Batch cooking: Grill extra chicken breasts and store them for quick meals throughout the week.

Substitute Ingredients For Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is lean and has a similar texture to chicken breast, making it a suitable alternative for grilling.
chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can be marinated and grilled to mimic the texture and flavor of chicken.
italian style salad dressing - Substitute with balsamic vinaigrette: Balsamic vinaigrette provides a similar tangy and herbaceous flavor profile that complements grilled chicken well.
italian style salad dressing - Substitute with lemon herb marinade: A lemon herb marinade can offer a fresh and zesty alternative, enhancing the flavor of the grilled chicken.
lemon pepper - Substitute with citrus zest and black pepper: Combining citrus zest (such as lemon or lime) with black pepper can replicate the bright and peppery notes of lemon pepper seasoning.
lemon pepper - Substitute with garlic and herb seasoning: Garlic and herb seasoning can provide a savory and aromatic flavor that complements grilled chicken.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami-rich flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste of the grilled chicken.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.

Presentation Ideas for Grilled Marinated Chicken

Select premium ingredients: Ensure you use high-quality chicken breast and a top-notch Italian style salad dressing to elevate the dish.
Marinate with precision: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then place them in a shallow glass bowl. Pour the salad dressing over the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to infuse flavors deeply.
Prepare the grill meticulously: Lightly oil the grill and preheat it to medium-high. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from sticking.
Season thoughtfully: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and season them with lemon pepper and salt to taste. This step adds an extra layer of flavor.
Grill to perfection: Grill the chicken breasts over medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. This ensures a juicy and flavorful result.
Plate with elegance: Slice the grilled chicken diagonally and arrange it artfully on a pristine white plate. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Accompany with complementary sides: Serve the grilled chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the flavors and textures.
Finish with a drizzle: Add a final touch by drizzling a bit of extra Italian dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken just before serving to enhance the taste and presentation.

Essential Tools for Grilling Marinated Chicken

Shallow glass bowl: Used to marinate the chicken breasts in the salad dressing, ensuring even coverage and flavor absorption.
Plastic wrap: To cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken, keeping it fresh and preventing contamination.
Grill: The main cooking equipment used to grill the chicken breasts to perfection.
Grill brush: Essential for lightly oiling the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Tongs: Used to handle and turn the chicken breasts on the grill safely.
Meat thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it is cooked through and safe to eat.
Cutting board: For placing the chicken breasts after rinsing and patting them dry.
Paper towels: To pat the chicken breasts dry before marinating.
Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the lemon pepper and salt.
Serving platter: To place the grilled chicken breasts once they are cooked and ready to serve.

Storing and Freezing Marinated Grilled Chicken

Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and ensure that the chicken stays fresh for longer.
To store the marinated grilled chicken in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
If you want to freeze the grilled chicken, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
Frozen marinated grilled chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. When you're ready to eat the frozen chicken, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Do not thaw the chicken at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
To reheat the thawed grilled chicken, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. Make sure the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat. Avoid reheating the chicken more than once, as this can affect its texture and quality.

How To Reheat Leftover Marinated Grilled Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover marinated grilled chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Loosely cover the chicken with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method is best for reheating larger pieces of chicken while maintaining its moistness.
For a quick and easy option, use the microwave. Place the leftover grilled chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist during reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, this is an excellent way to reheat your leftover marinated chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are not overlapping. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the skin is crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover grilled chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it is heated through. This method is ideal for reheating smaller pieces of chicken or if you want to add some extra flavor to the dish.
If you have a sous vide machine, this is an excellent way to reheat your leftover marinated chicken without losing any of its original flavor or texture. Place the chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag with the air removed. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C) and submerge the bag in the water bath. Reheat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is heated through.

Interesting Fact About Marinated Grilled Chicken

A fun fact about this marinated grilled chicken recipe is that using Italian style salad dressing as a marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken breast due to the acidity in the dressing.

Is Making Marinated Grilled Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?

This marinated grilled chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, chicken breast and Italian style salad dressing, are relatively affordable. With minimal additional seasonings like lemon pepper and salt, the overall expense remains low. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is Marinated Grilled Chicken Healthy?

This marinated grilled chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken breast is a lean protein source that is low in fat and calories. Grilling is also a healthier cooking method compared to frying or deep-frying. However, the main concern lies in the use of Italian-style salad dressing as a marinade. Store-bought salad dressings often contain high amounts of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can negate the health benefits of the chicken.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Prepare a homemade marinade using olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices. This allows you to control the amount of sodium and eliminate any unnecessary additives.
If using store-bought salad dressing, opt for a low-sodium and low-sugar variety, or use it sparingly and dilute it with additional herbs and spices.
Marinate the chicken for a shorter duration, around 30 minutes to 1 hour, to reduce the amount of sodium absorbed by the meat.
Serve the grilled chicken with a side of fresh vegetables or a nutrient-dense salad to balance out the meal and add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
If you're watching your sodium intake, reduce or omit the additional salt used for seasoning the chicken before grilling.

Editor's Opinion on This Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

This marinated grilled chicken recipe is straightforward and flavorful, leveraging the tangy zest of Italian dressing for a quick marinade. The addition of lemon pepper adds a subtle citrusy kick, while the salt enhances the overall taste. Grilling the chicken ensures a smoky char and juicy interior. However, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of complexity. Also, marinating overnight could deepen the flavors further. Overall, it's a simple yet effective recipe for a delicious grilled chicken.

Enhance Your Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan: Complement your marinated grilled chicken with a side of grilled asparagus drizzled with a touch of olive oil and sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The smoky flavor of the asparagus pairs perfectly with the zesty chicken, creating a harmonious balance of vegetables and meat.

Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: Add a refreshing twist to your meal with a quinoa salad tossed in a tangy citrus vinaigrette. This vibrant side dish, featuring a medley of fresh vegetables and a hint of citrus, will bring a burst of color and flavor to your plate.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Indulge in the creamy goodness of garlic mashed potatoes. These velvety potatoes are infused with roasted garlic and a touch of butter, making them the perfect comforting companion to your grilled chicken.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Elevate your meal with a tropical flair by serving a mango avocado salsa. The sweet and tangy mango combined with creamy avocado and a hint of lime creates a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: For a sophisticated touch, try roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. The caramelized vegetables offer a delightful crunch and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the marinated chicken beautifully.

Similar Recipes to Marinated Grilled Chicken

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Infuse your chicken with a burst of citrusy goodness and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner. Pair it with a fresh garden salad and some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Indulge in the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan with this delectable chicken recipe. The crispy, cheesy crust will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for a comforting dinner.

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken: Sweet and tangy, this honey mustard grilled chicken is a crowd-pleaser. The caramelized glaze adds a delightful touch to the juicy chicken. Complement it with grilled asparagus and a quinoa salad for a balanced meal.

Spicy Cajun Chicken: Turn up the heat with this spicy Cajun chicken recipe. The bold flavors of Cajun spices will transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana. Pair it with corn on the cob and red beans and rice for an authentic experience.

Teriyaki Grilled Chicken: Savor the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with this grilled chicken recipe. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a mouthwatering dish. Serve with stir-fried vegetables and jasmine rice for an Asian-inspired feast.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for a Marinated Grilled Chicken Meal

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these stuffed mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are baked until golden and bubbly, creating a perfect bite-sized treat that pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine. The creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Bruschetta: Transport your guests to Italy with this classic bruschetta. Start with slices of toasted baguette, rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. The crunchy bread and the fresh, tangy topping create a delightful contrast, making this appetizer a perfect start to any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a warm, gooey chocolate lava cake that oozes rich, molten chocolate with every bite. This decadent treat pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of hot and cold. The chocolate lava cake is an indulgent end to any meal, especially after savoring marinated grilled chicken. Garnish with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.

Lemon Meringue Pie: For a refreshing and tangy finish, consider serving a lemon meringue pie. The zesty lemon filling, topped with a fluffy, golden-brown meringue, provides a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This classic dessert is light yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice to follow a hearty main course. Serve chilled and watch as the vibrant citrus notes cleanse the palate, leaving a delightful aftertaste.

Why trust this Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe:

This recipe is a surefire hit because it uses italian style salad dressing to infuse the chicken breasts with rich, zesty flavors. The lemon pepper adds a delightful citrusy kick, while the grilling process ensures a smoky, charred finish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve juicy, flavorful results. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and the guaranteed deliciousness of marinated, grilled chicken.

Share your tips and tricks for making the best Recipe Sharing to discuss this delicious Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe with fellow cooking enthusiasts.

FAQ:

How long should I marinate the chicken?

I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 3 hours, but if you have more time, letting it sit overnight will make it even more flavorful.

Can I use a different type of salad dressing?

Absolutely! While Italian dressing is great, you can experiment with other dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or even a tangy lemon herb dressing.

What if I don't have a grill?

No worries! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stove or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also check if the juices run clear when you cut into it.

Can I add other seasonings or herbs?

Definitely! Feel free to add garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavor even more.