Bill Knapp’s Marinated Chicken was a popular 20th-century American restaurant chain dish. The chicken was marinated in spices, vinegar, and oil and grilled or baked until cooked.
Bill Knapp’s customers loved the chicken’s tangy and savory marinade. Many still make Bill Knapp’s Marinated Chicken at home, even though the chain is gone.
Best Bill Knapps Marinated Chicken
The marinade of tangy red wine vinegar, savory garlic and oregano, and rich olive oil makes the chicken juicy and tender.
Best part? This recipe is simple! A restaurant-quality meal can be made quickly with a few simple ingredients and basic cooking skills. The marinade can be made the day before, so you can cook with less stress.
You can substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the recipe. The marinade also works with beef and pork.
Bill Knapp’s Marinated Chicken brings nostalgia to your table. This recipe recreates a childhood favorite from Bill Knapp’s restaurants. This recipe introduces a timeless classic to those who have never tried it.
Bill Knapp’s Chicken Marinade Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How To Make Bill Knapp’s Chicken Marinade
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and turn to coat them in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Step 3: Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
Step 5: Grill or bake the chicken until it is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes for the grill or 25-30 minutes for the oven.
Step 6: Serve the chicken hot with your favorite side dishes.
Bill Knapp’s Chicken Marinade Variations
Lemon and Herb: Replace the red wine vinegar with fresh lemon juice and add some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for a bright and fragrant twist on the classic recipe.
Spicy: Add some heat to the marinade by mixing in a teaspoon or two of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. This will give the chicken a nice kick and pair well with a cooling side dish like cucumber salad or coleslaw.
Asian-inspired: Swap out the oregano and garlic powder for ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a flavorful Asian-inspired marinade. Top the cooked chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
Mediterranean: Replace the red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar and add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the marinade for a Mediterranean twist on the recipe. Serve the chicken with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Smoky: Add some smoky flavor to the chicken by mixing in a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the marinade. Grill or bake the chicken until it’s charred and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Serve with grilled corn or baked beans for a classic barbecue meal.
How To Serve Bill knapps Marinated Chicken
Serve it with asparagus or broccoli roasted or broiled. The vegetables balance the chicken’s richness and provide essential nutrients.
Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice or quinoa. The grain-marinade combination is delicious.
Serve the chicken with a tangy vinaigrette-dressed green salad in summer. The dressing’s acidity complements the marinade’s tanginess, and the crisp leaves contrast with the tender chicken.
The earthy mushrooms compliment the savory poultry, while the creamy potatoes soak up the juices.
Bill knapps Marinated Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and turn to coat them in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
- Step 5: Grill or bake the chicken until it is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes for the grill or 25-30 minutes for the oven.
- Step 6: Serve the chicken hot with your favorite side dishes.
