Easy Grilled Italian Chicken
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Have I got another fantastic and easy way to grill up some chicken this summer! This easy grilled Italian Chicken recipe requires only three simple ingredients, making it a breeze to prepare.
I highly recommend doubling the recipe so you can enjoy a delicious dinner on the night you grill it and then use the extra chicken to cut up for a salad on another night. For example, it works perfectly in a bowtie chicken Caesar salad, adding convenience and versatility to your meal planning.
To marinate this easy grilled Italian Chicken, you only need some zesty Italian salad dressing and Sprite! You heard that right—Sprite is used in the Italian chicken marinade. I’ve used Sprite in my Manti chicken recipe before, so I knew the results would be fantastic.
Using Sprite in a marinade has two main benefits: it tenderizes the meat and adds a touch of sweetness. The phosphoric acid in the soda helps to break down the protein and connective tissue in the chicken, resulting in a tender and flavorful final product.
However, it’s important not to let the chicken marinate for longer than a day when using this marinade. Ideally, keep the marinating time under 8 hours to avoid mushy meat, which no one likes!
The phosphoric acid in the Sprite is very effective at breaking down the tissues, but if left too long, it can break them down too much, compromising the texture of the chicken. So, keep an eye on the marinating time, and you’ll have perfectly tender and delicious grilled Italian chicken every time.
Ingredients to Make Easy Grilled Italian Chicken Breasts
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS (BREASTS SHOULD BE ABOUT 1 INCH THICK)
- ZESTY ITALIAN DRESSING
- SPRITE
How to Make Easy Grilled Italian Chicken
Take a gallon-sized freezer Ziploc bag and pour in a bottle of zesty Italian dressing. The dressing provides a robust and tangy flavor that will infuse the chicken.
Next, add 1 cup of Sprite to the bag. The Sprite adds a subtle sweetness but also acts as a tenderizer due to its carbonation and phosphoric acid content.
Gently shake and massage the bag to mix the Italian dressing and Sprite until they are well combined. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring there is minimal air inside.
Open the bag and place the chicken breasts inside. Ensure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Seal the bag again, removing as much air as possible to allow the marinade to envelop the chicken fully.
Lay the sealed bag flat on a plate to catch potential leaks, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, but no longer than 12 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy. After 4 hours of marinating, flip the bag over to ensure the chicken marinates evenly on all sides. This helps the flavors penetrate the chicken thoroughly.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
As you grill, avoid moving the chicken too much to achieve nice grill marks and ensure even cooking. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Slice and serve the grilled Italian chicken hot. It’s perfect on its own, in sandwiches, or cut up over salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of soda?
Yes, you can use other lemon-lime sodas or even cola. However, the flavor and tenderizing effects might vary slightly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require slightly less cooking time, so monitor them closely while grilling.
Do I need to oil the grill grates?
Yes, lightly oiling the grill grates before cooking helps prevent the chicken from sticking and ensures even cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before grilling.
Can I cook the chicken on an indoor grill or stovetop?
Yes, you can cook the chicken on an indoor grill or stovetop grill pan. Follow the same instructions for marinating and cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, this marinade works well with other meats such as pork chops, turkey breasts, or even fish. Adjust the marinating and cooking times accordingly based on the type of meat.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Easy Grilled Italian Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 chicken breasts breasts should be about 1 inch thick
- 1 bottle Zesty Italian dressing
- 1 cup Sprite
Instructions
- In a gallon sized freezer bag, add all of the ingredients. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 1 to 8 hours but not any longer.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill until it reaches 165 degrees.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from The Tipsy Housewife.
