Babe’s Marinated Italian Chicken

February 20, 2026

Author

Cookinwithbabe

I started my food vlogging journey in 2024, when I decided it was time to share my love of cooking with folks near and far. I grew up learning the ins and outs of the kitchen from my grandparents and my mama — they taught me that a good meal can bring people together like nothing else. Now, I’m proud to carry on their passion and share those same comforting flavors with y’all.

A person wearing a blue glove stands behind a plate of raw chicken pieces on a black table, holding an open plastic bag, possibly preparing to marinate or store the chicken.

If you’re anything like me, you know that nothing beats the savory goodness of marinated chicken, especially when it’s bursting with Italian flavors. Babe’s Marinated Italian Chicken is one of those recipes that always impresses, whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ or just want to jazz up a weeknight dinner. Trust me, this chicken is a flavor explosion that’ll have your taste buds dancing and your friends asking for seconds.

More recipes from Cookinwithbabe that you'll love

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can grill, bake, or pan-sear it depending on your mood or the weather.

Seriously, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

Now, let’s get into why you’ll love this recipe. First off, the flavors are just incredible. The combination of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs creates a marinade that not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with aromatic goodness.

And let’s be real – who doesn’t love the smell of garlic and herbs wafting through the house? It’s like a warm hug on a plate!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about Babe’s Marinated Italian Chicken is how easy it is to prepare. You can mix up the marinade in just a few minutes, toss in the chicken, and let it do its magic in the fridge. Whether you’re short on time or planning a meal for guests, this recipe has you covered.

Just give it a couple of hours, and you’ll have chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and downright irresistible.

A person in a blue shirt holds a jar of BBQ Right Italian Stallion seasoning above a plastic bag containing raw chicken pieces on a black table outdoors.

Another reason this chicken is a hit is its versatility. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad, toss it in a pasta dish, or even slice it up for sandwiches. The options are endless!

Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You’ll find yourself turning to this recipe time and time again.

And let’s not forget about the crowd-pleasing factor. I’ve seen these chicken pieces disappear faster than a cold beer in July at my cookouts. Everyone loves it, and it’s always a hit with both kids and adults.

So, if you want to impress your friends or family, you can’t go wrong here.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

To get started with Babe’s Marinated Italian Chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. First up, you’ll want 2 pounds of boneless chicken. I usually go for thighs or breasts, depending on what I have on hand.

Both work beautifully and soak up the marinade perfectly.

A person pours a can of soda into a resealable plastic bag containing raw chicken and marinade ingredients, on a black table outdoors. A container of salt is on the table nearby.

Next, gather your flavor makers: 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning. These are the backbone of the marinade, and trust me, the quality of your olive oil makes a difference! You’ll also need 3 cloves of chopped garlic, along with fresh parsley and basil – about 1/4 cup each.

And don’t forget 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for that zesty kick and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper to round things out.

As for tools, grab a large zip-top bag or an airtight container to mix and marinate your chicken. It makes cleanup a breeze, and you can easily toss it in the fridge. Don’t forget a good set of tongs for flipping the chicken when it’s time to cook!

How To Make It

Alright, let’s get down to business and make some magic happen! The process is pretty straightforward. We’ll start by whipping up that delicious marinade, then let the chicken soak in all those incredible flavors.

After that, you can choose your preferred cooking method, and I’ll guide you through it step by step.

Preparation

First things first, let’s make that marinade! In your large zip-top bag or airtight container, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, chopped garlic, parsley, basil, and lemon juice. Mix it all up until it’s well blended.

You want those flavors mingling together beautifully.

A person is pouring seasoning from a packet into a resealable plastic bag containing raw chicken and marinade ingredients on a black table outdoors.

Once your marinade is ready, add the chicken into the bag or container. Make sure each piece is evenly coated, as this is where the magic happens. Seal it up and toss it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

If you can let it marinate overnight, even better! The longer it sits, the more flavor it packs in.

Cooking

Now that your chicken is marinated and ready to go, it’s time to cook! You have a few options here, so pick your favorite. If you’re firing up the grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.

Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll know it’s done when it looks beautifully charred and smells heavenly.

If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The goal is to achieve that juicy, tender chicken that you can’t resist.

If you’re pan-searing, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

A person in a light blue shirt holds and mixes ingredients in a large resealable plastic bag, standing behind a black table outdoors on grass.

No matter how you cook it, trust me – the aroma will have your neighbors knocking on the door, and you’ll be left with juicy, flavorful chicken that’s sure to impress!

Serving & Variations

When it comes to serving Babe’s Marinated Italian Chicken, the sky's the limit! I love serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or some roasted veggies for a light meal. You can also pair it with pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic, or even throw it on a sub bun with some melted cheese for an Italian chicken sandwich.

A person pours olive oil from a bottle into a resealable plastic bag filled with raw chicken pieces on a black table.

If you want to get creative, consider adding some veggies to the grill or baking dish. Bell peppers and zucchini work great and soak up those delicious flavors too. And if you’ve got leftovers (which might be a stretch, let’s be honest), they’re excellent in salads or wraps the next day.

Just store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll keep for about 3-4 days.

Wrapping Up

There you have it – Babe’s Marinated Italian Chicken is the perfect dish to elevate your dinner game or wow your guests at the next cookout. It’s all about those vibrant flavors and juicy chicken that everyone will love. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

A person pours vinegar from a bottle into a resealable plastic bag containing raw chicken pieces, with the bag resting on a black table outdoors.

Recipe created by Cookin’ with Babe for Trust Me Try It.

Even more from Cookinwithbabe