Basil Chicken Marinade: The Perfect Summer Recipe

As summer arrives, so does the season of fresh, vibrant flavors and outdoor grilling. One of the best ways to elevate your summer cooking is by using fresh basil in your recipes. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a mouth-watering basil marinade for chicken that will become your go-to recipe for summer gatherings. This simple yet flavorful marinade combines fresh basil, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce to create a dish that is both delicious and easy to prepare.

Why Basil is Perfect for Summer

Fresh basil is a quintessential summer herb. Its aromatic, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the natural taste of chicken, creating a harmonious blend that is both refreshing and savory.

Basil

The Ultimate Basil Marinade Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 pounds of chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped basil, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

1. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat of 450 degrees Fahrenheit.. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on skewers. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side on direct heat and with a good pair of tongs flip the chicken to prevent burning.
2. Check the internal chicken temperature: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it’s safe to consume chicken at an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Before removing from the grill, sprinkle salt over the chicken.

basil chicken kebabs

1. Top with Sun dried Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Top the chicken kebabs with chopped sun dried tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and additional chopped fresh basil. The warmth of the chicken will slightly melt the cheese, creating a deliciously slightly gooey texture.

basil marinade chicken kebabs

1. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the basil marinade chicken with your favorite summer sides, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice.

Tips for the Best Basil Chicken Marinade

• Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves provide the best flavor for this marinade. If you must use dried basil, reduce the quantity by half, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Marinate Longer: For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in juicier and more delicious chicken.

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07/12/2024 01:38 pm GMT

• Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature.

sundried tomatoes and basil grilled chicken

Variations to Try

• Basil Lemon Marinade: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the marinade for a citrusy twist.
• Spicy Basil Marinade: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Herb Mix: Combine fresh basil with other herbs like parsley and oregano for a more complex flavor profile.

Why This Basil Marinade Chicken Stands Out

This basil marinade chicken recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. The combination of fresh basil, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce creates a marinade that is both tangy and savory, perfectly complementing the natural flavors of the chicken. Topping the chicken kebabs with sun dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese adds a delightful touch that enhances the overall flavor and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a new weeknight dinner idea, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

chicken kebabs with basil and sundried tomatoes

Final Thoughts

Incorporating fresh basil into your summer cooking not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also brings a touch of summer freshness to your meals. This basil marinade chicken recipe is easy to prepare, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try at your next cookout and enjoy the delightful flavors of summer.

Print Recipe

Basil Chicken Marinade

By Drew – Serves: 2

This will become your go to chicken marinade in the summer when you are grilling. You'll love this basil marinade.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 pounds of chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed

Instructions

1

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped basil, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

2

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

3

Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat of 450 degrees Fahrenheit.. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on skewers. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side on direct heat and with a good pair of tongs flip the chicken to prevent burning.

4

Bring the internal temp of the chicken up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

5

Sprinkle with salt before removing from the grill.

6

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Top the chicken kebabs with chopped sun dried tomatoes, cubed mozzarella cheese, and additional chopped fresh basil.

7

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the basil marinade chicken with your favorite summer sides, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice.

Notes

Marinate Longer: For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in juicier and more delicious chicken.