Italian Dressing Chicken—one of the easiest and juiciest ways to make flavorful chicken! The Italian dressing acts as both a marinade and a sauce, keeping the chicken tender and packed with herbs. Here’s a simple, foolproof recipe:
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for baking)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour Italian dressing over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Cover (or seal the bag) and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 8 hours. Longer marination = more flavor.
2. Cooking Methods
Option A: Oven-Baked
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in a baking dish and pour some marinade on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden top.
Option B: Skillet-Cooked
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken breasts (discard excess marinade) and cook 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Pour a few tablespoons of marinade in the last minute to glaze the chicken.
Option C: Slow Cooker
- Place marinated chicken in the slow cooker and pour remaining dressing over top.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until chicken is tender.
3. Serve
- Slice and serve over rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for an Italian touch.
💡 Tips:
- Boneless thighs work great too—they stay extra juicy.
- Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the pan for a one-dish meal.
- Homemade Italian dressing: ½ cup olive oil + ¼ cup vinegar + 1 tsp oregano + 1 tsp basil + ½ tsp garlic powder + salt & pepper.
