Description
This Italian Dressing Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in flavorful Italian dressing and herbs, then seared and oven-baked to perfection. The marinade imparts a zesty, herbaceous flavor while the searing locks in the juices, resulting in a delicious and easy-to-make main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade and Seasoning
- 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 the Italian dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken for Cooking: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and let any excess dressing drip off. Discard the leftover marinade safely.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. This seals in the juices for a moist result.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes the chicken tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve the chicken hot for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular skillet then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh flavor but is optional.
- You can substitute Italian dressing with your preferred vinaigrette if desired.
