Salad Dressing Chicken Marinade
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We’re diving into grilling recipes all week long, and honestly—why heat up the kitchen when you can fire up the grill instead? Not only do you get to enjoy that smoky, flame-kissed flavor, but cleanup is a breeze. Fewer dishes, more fresh air, and dinner that practically cooks itself? Yes, please.
Here’s a handy tip you might not know: salad dressing makes a fantastic chicken marinade! That’s right—no need to splurge on pricey bottled marinades when you’ve likely got a flavorful dressing already hanging out in the fridge. Most vinaigrette-style dressings work beautifully, and even creamy options like creamy Italian can bring great flavor to the table.
One of my favorite perks? If you only use part of the bottle for the marinade, you can use the rest to dress your salad. It’s flavorful, efficient, and downright delicious. Just make sure to choose a dressing with bold flavor notes that pair well with chicken.
Recently, I scored a batch of Kraft dressings for just $1 each—a total win. For the batch you see in the photo, I used their Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan dressing. It added a savory kick that soaked perfectly into the chicken before hitting the grill.
Ingredients to make Salad Dressing Chicken Marinade
- SALAD DRESSING (VINAIGRETTE WORKS BEST)
- CHICKEN BREASTS
Instructions for Salad Dressing Chicken Marinade
Place the chicken in a resealable gallon-sized bag and pour in your favorite salad dressing. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and grill until it’s fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks. Serve hot and enjoy every tender, flavorful bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of salad dressing works best for marinating chicken?
Vinaigrette-style dressings are ideal—they’re packed with flavor and help tenderize the meat. Think Italian, balsamic, or roasted red pepper. Creamy dressings like creamy Italian or ranch can work too, but may not caramelize as well on the grill.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour in the fridge is recommended, but for maximum flavor, marinate it all day. Avoid overnight marinating, as it can affect the texture.
Can I use the same dressing for both marinade and salad?
Absolutely! Just be sure to set aside a portion of the dressing before adding it to raw chicken. That way, you’ll have a safe, fresh batch for your salad.
Can I freeze chicken in salad dressing marinade?
Yes! Place the chicken and dressing in a freezer-safe bag, label it, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before grilling. It’s a great make-ahead option.
What’s the best way to cook the marinated chicken?
Grilling is ideal—it adds smoky flavor and beautiful char marks. You can also bake or pan-sear if grilling isn’t an option.
Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Definitely! It works well with pork chops, shrimp, or even tofu. Just adjust the marinating time based on the protein.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Grilled Chicken Marinade
- 4 Ingredient Chicken Marinade
- Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken
- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
Salad Dressing Chicken Marinade
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup salad dressing vinaigrette works best
- 4-6 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Place chicken and dressing in a releasable gallon sized bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour but the longer the better, all day is best.
- Then remove chicken from the marinade and grill until completely cooked, Enjoy!
