Chicken in Italian Dressing Recipe

This Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe (Oven or Air Fryer) is made with bone in chicken thighs, a bottle of italian dressing, onions, and lemons.

Italian Dressing Chicken can be made using various cuts of chicken, such as bone-in or boneless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. The marinade can be made using store-bought Italian dressing or homemade dressing, allowing for customization of flavors to suit your taste preferences.

In addition to the basic Italian dressing marinade, you can also add additional herbs, spices, and seasonings to further enhance the flavor of the chicken. Once the chicken has been marinated, it can be cooked in various ways, such as baking, grilling, or pan-searing. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the cut of chicken used and the cooking method chosen. The result is typically juicy and flavorful chicken with a tangy and savory taste from the Italian dressing marinade.

Italian Dressing Chicken can be served on its own as a main dish, or it can be used in a variety of other recipes, such as salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or wraps. It's a versatile and delicious way to add some Italian-inspired flavors to your chicken dishes with minimal effort.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Baked Lemon Chicken with Potatoes or my Lemon Garlic Drumsticks.

Jump to:

• What is Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe?
• Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Italian Dressing Chicken
• What to serve with Italian Dressing Chicken
• Substitutions
• Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Italian Dressing Chicken
• Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe Top tips
• Chicken in Italian Dressing Recipe
• Food safety

What is Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe?

Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe is a popular and easy-to-make dish that involves marinating chicken in Italian dressing, which is a tangy and flavorful dressing typically made with a combination of olive oil, vinegar (such as red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar), herbs, and spices. The chicken is then typically baked or grilled, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken with a hint of Italian-inspired flavors.

One of the key elements of Italian Dressing Chicken is the marinade. The chicken is usually marinated in Italian dressing for a period of time, usually a few hours to overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and impart their delicious taste. The marinade not only adds flavor to the chicken, but it also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish.

Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Bone-in Chicken thighs
• Italian dressing
• Onion
• Lemon
• Garlic

See recipe card for Chicken in Italian Dressing (Oven or Air Fryer) quantities.

How to make Italian Dressing Chicken

For the grill: Preheat the grill to medium high. Add the chicken, onions, garlic and lemon slices into an aluminum pan. Pour the Italian dressing over everything.  Place the whole pan and its contents into the grill and close for 45 minutes. For the last 6 minutes, take the chicken out and cook on the actual grill for 3 minutes on each side. Reserve the juice.

What to serve with Italian Dressing Chicken

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes make a great side dish for Italian Dressing Chicken. They are easy to prepare and complement the flavors of the chicken. Check out my Sazon Grilled Vegetables.
• Pasta Salad: A simple pasta salad with vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing and filling side dish that goes well with Italian Dressing Chicken. You can customize the ingredients to your liking. Check out my Zucchini Pasta Bake.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a classic side that can be served with almost any dish. It's easy to make and adds some crunch and flavor to the meal. Check out my Easy Garlic Bread Recipe.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a light and refreshing side dish that complements the flavors of the chicken. You can add other ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese to the salad for more flavor and texture. Check out my Burrata Peach Arugula Salad.

Substitutions

Chicken: I used bone-in chicken thighs. You can use any type of chicken as long as there is a bone, like drumsticks or wings.

Onion: I used a yellow onion, although white works as well.

Lemons: For best lemons at grocery store, check to see if the lemons have bright smooth skin and feel firm and heavy for its size.

Garlic: I used fresh garlic although you could use garlic from a can and top with the prepared minced garlic.

Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe Variations

• Lemon Italian Dressing Chicken: Add fresh lemon juice and zest to the Italian dressing marinade to give the chicken a tangy and citrusy twist. This adds a refreshing and bright flavor to the dish.
• Parmesan Italian Dressing Chicken: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the Italian dressing marinade to add a rich and savory flavor to the chicken. The Parmesan cheese adds a delicious umami taste and a slight nuttiness.
• Spicy Italian Dressing Chicken: Add some crushed red pepper flakes, minced garlic, or hot sauce to the Italian dressing marinade to give the chicken a spicy kick. Adjust the amount of spice to your liking for a hotter or milder flavor.
• Honey Mustard Italian Dressing Chicken: Add some honey and Dijon mustard to the Italian dressing marinade for a sweet and tangy twist. The honey adds natural sweetness, while the mustard adds a tangy kick.

Equipment

• Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is needed to prepare the marinade for the chicken. You can use a glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowl.
• Whisk or fork: A whisk or fork is used to mix the ingredients together and emulsify the marinade. You can use either utensil to combine the Italian dressing, oil, and other ingredients.
• Baking dish or Ziploc bag: You will need a baking dish or a Ziploc bag to marinate the chicken. A baking dish is preferred if you plan to bake the chicken in the same dish, while a Ziploc bag allows for easy marinating and less cleanup.
• Oven or grill: You can cook the Italian Dressing Chicken in the oven or on a grill, depending on your preference. If using an oven, you will need a baking sheet or baking dish to cook the chicken. If using a grill, you will need a barbecue grill or a stovetop grill pan.
• Meat thermometer (optional): While not necessary, a meat thermometer can be helpful to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Serving platter or dish: Once the Italian Dressing Chicken is cooked, you will need a serving platter or dish to present and serve the dish.

How to store Italian Dressing Chicken

1. Refrigeration: If the Italian Dressing Chicken has been cooked and is leftover, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: You can freeze uncooked or cooked Italian Dressing Chicken for longer storage. For uncooked chicken, marinate the chicken in the Italian dressing, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. For cooked chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Labeling: It's a good idea to label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification in the refrigerator or freezer.
4. Thawing: When you're ready to use the frozen Italian Dressing Chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. Avoid thawing chicken at room temperature as it can promote bacterial growth.
5. Reheating: To reheat the leftover or frozen Italian Dressing Chicken, you can use a microwave, oven, or stovetop. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Italian Dressing Chicken Recipe Top tips

• Marinate for longer: For maximum flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for several hours or overnight. This will help the flavors to penetrate the chicken and result in a more flavorful dish.
• Don't skimp on the dressing: The Italian dressing is the key flavor component of this dish, so use a good quality Italian dressing with a flavor profile that you enjoy. You can use store-bought Italian dressing or make your own homemade Italian dressing for a more customized flavor.
• Season with additional herbs and spices: While the Italian dressing provides plenty of flavor, you can enhance it further by adding additional herbs and spices to the marinade, such as minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
• Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, and avoid overcooking.
• Let the chicken rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps to retain the juices and ensures a more moist and flavorful result.
• Grill or bake for variety: While this recipe is typically baked in the oven, you can also grill the chicken for a different flavor profile. Simply grill the marinated chicken over medium heat until cooked through, flipping halfway through, for a delicious grilled Italian Dressing Chicken.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.