Description
This Italian Dressing Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated and baked in a flavorful emulsion of Italian dressing. The simple preparation and rich tastes make it an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, finished with a crisp, golden skin for perfect texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 8 large chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
Marinade
- 1 bottle (16 ounces) Italian dressing
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onion
Instructions
- Emulsify the dressing: Use a stick blender or an upright blender to blend the Italian dressing until fully emulsified, meaning the oil and vinegar are completely combined and the dressing has a uniform texture throughout.
- Prepare the chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer skin side up in a 9 x 11-inch roasting pan. They should be packed snugly without overlapping or stacking.
- Coat with dressing: Pour the emulsified Italian dressing over the chicken, lifting each thigh to ensure it is evenly coated on all sides with the marinade.
- Bake the chicken: Place the roasting pan on the middle rack of a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Crisp the skin: If your roasting pan is broiler-safe, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 1 to 3 minutes to brown and crisp the skin. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onion if desired. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, ensure the Italian dressing is fully emulsified before pouring over the chicken.
- The chicken thighs should be in a single layer to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee the chicken is properly cooked.
- Broiling time may vary depending on your oven; watch carefully to avoid burning the skin.
- Calories and nutrition information may vary depending on the brand of Italian dressing used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
