If you’re searching for a dish that combines vibrant flavors with effortless preparation, this Italian Dressing Marinated Baked Chicken Recipe might just become your new weeknight favorite. The magic lies in marinating tender chicken breasts in zesty Italian dressing and fragrant herbs, which infuses every bite with a burst of savory goodness. Baked to juicy perfection after a quick sear, this recipe offers a harmonious blend of tangy, herbaceous, and savory notes that’s both comforting and exciting on the palate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises simplicity without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most incredible flavors. Each component plays a crucial role—from the marinade’s tangy punch to the fresh herbs’ delicate aroma, every item is chosen to complement the chicken perfectly.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and juicy results.
- 1 cup Italian dressing: The hero ingredient brings a delicious tang and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without being overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor complexity with gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a classic Mediterranean herb flavor that pairs perfectly with Italian dressing.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Contributes fresh, aromatic notes that brighten the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the existing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps create a beautiful sear and adds richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A vibrant, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Make Italian Dressing Marinated Baked Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour in the Italian dressing and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag tightly and shake it gently to coat the chicken evenly. Pop the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least two hours. For the deepest flavor, marinate overnight. This step is where the magic begins as the dressing tenderizes the meat and fills it with incredible flavor.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Once your chicken is beautifully marinated, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the chicken until cooked through while maintaining juicy tenderness.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken for Searing
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip back into the bag before discarding the marinade. This ensures the chicken isn’t soaking wet and will sear properly, helping to lock in those delicious juices.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This step creates flavor-packed caramelization and seals in moisture, making your baked chicken tender and juicy.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes. It’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Baking finishes cooking the chicken gently and evenly, ensuring it stays moist inside.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Take the skillet out of the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Resting is key for juicy chicken, as it lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you cut into it.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For a final fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken. This adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor that complements the herbs and spices in the marinade beautifully.
How to Serve Italian Dressing Marinated Baked Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish, but you can also try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a scattering of grated Parmesan cheese for extra zest and richness. These simple touches easily elevate the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This Italian Dressing Marinated Baked Chicken Recipe shines beautifully alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus or a quinoa salad work perfectly, balancing the chicken’s robust flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the chicken and serving it over warm pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic for a quick, satisfying meal. Alternatively, place it on a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and olives for an easy, elegant entrée. This recipe’s versatility means it’s always ready to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Stored properly, the flavors stay vibrant, and the chicken remains tender.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave it covered to keep it moist. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out this tender, flavorful chicken.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Italian dressing for this recipe?
Yes! Store-bought Italian dressing works wonderfully for this recipe and provides consistent flavor. Just pick a quality dressing with robust herb and garlic notes for the best results.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A minimum of 2 hours allows the flavors to penetrate, but marinating overnight will yield the most tender and flavorful chicken. Just be sure not to exceed 24 hours to keep the texture perfect.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust baking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
You can sear the chicken in a regular pan then transfer it to a baking dish to finish in the oven. Just make sure your baking dish is preheated to maintain that nice crust.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The chicken tastes great cold or reheated, making it ideal for meal prep lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Italian Dressing Marinated Baked Chicken Recipe feels like inviting you into my kitchen to enjoy a meal that’s both reliable and full of zest. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but straightforward, with ingredients that excite rather than stress you out. Give it a try, and I promise this will become a new staple in your recipe collection.
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Italian Dressing Marinated Baked Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 2h 0m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 2h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Italian Dressing Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of Italian dressing and herbs, then seared and baked to perfection. The marinade infuses the chicken with garlic, onion, oregano, and basil, creating an easy yet delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken breasts with Italian dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the chicken for cooking: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess dressing drip off, and discard the marinade to avoid contamination.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, locking in juices.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest the chicken: Remove skillet from oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve hot for a flavorful meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight will result in even more flavorful and tender chicken.
- Using an oven-safe skillet eliminates the need to transfer chicken to another dish, making the cooking process easier.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.
