Roasted Garlic Italian Grilled Chicken is a succulent and flavorful dish that marries the aromatic depth of roasted garlic with classic Italian herbs and spices. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts or thighs into a mouthwatering meal with a marinade that ensures each bite is infused with flavor. Perfect for outdoor barbecues, family dinners, or a special weekend treat, this grilled chicken is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a hit for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Roasted Garlic Italian Grilled Chicken
- Full of Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic and Italian seasoning creates a rich and aromatic taste.
- Versatile: Serve as a main dish with sides, slice for salads, or use in sandwiches and wraps.
- Healthy: Grilled chicken is a great source of lean protein, making this a nutritious meal option.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just a few pantry staples for a gourmet-level dish.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Roasted Garlic: Roasting garlic cloves softens their flavor into a sweet, caramelized complexity that’s the star of the marinade.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme offers classic Italian flavors.
- Olive Oil: Helps to tenderize the chicken and carries the flavors of the herbs and garlic.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil and garlic.
- Additional Spices: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for heat.
Recipe Steps
- Roast the Garlic: Begin by roasting the garlic in the oven until it’s soft and caramelized. Once cool, mash into a paste.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the roasted garlic paste, olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure all pieces are well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the chicken, turning once, until cooked through and charred in spots.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain its juices. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon slices if desired.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the grill, in a skillet, or in the microwave, being careful not to dry it out.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Italian Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
For the Roasted Garlic:
- Garlic: 1 whole head
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
For the Marinade:
- Olive oil: 1/2 cup
- Balsamic vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Roasted garlic: cloves squeezed out and mashed
- Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons (a blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme)
- Lemon juice: from 1 lemon
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
For the Chicken:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: 4-6 pieces, boneless and skinless
Instructions
Roast the Garlic:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Let it cool, then squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash with a fork.
Prepare the Marinade:
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mashed roasted garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
