These zesty chicken thighs are made with just dry Zesty Italian dressing, brown sugar and chicken thighs for an easy meal the whole family will love.
Zesty Italian Chicken Thighs
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
When it comes to quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipes, this zesty Italian chicken is at the top of the list.
I can’t stress enough how easy this is to put together. All you need are a dry zesty Italian dressing packet, some brown sugar, and boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
You can even mix everything together in the same baking dish and cut down on the dishes for clean up.
The flavor the you get from the Italian dressing packet mixed with the brown sugar is incredible! It's both sweet and zesty at the same time. Its the perfect busy weekday dinner.
We usually serve this with a side of Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes and Garlic And Parmesan Roasted Broccoli but any sides will do. It's so nice to be able to throw a dinner together that the whole family loves and is so easy to put together.
I hope you give this recipe a try. If you do, I know you'll love it just as much as my family and I do.
Fast. Simple. Delicious
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Zesty Italian Chicken Thighs Variations
I like this recipe for chicken thighs made just the way it is but here are some ways to change it up if you'd like to .
- Dry Italian Dressing- I love the Zesty Italian Dressing for this but the garlic and herb or original Italian favors would both be great options.
- Chicken- Chicken thighs are the best for this recipe because they hold moisture and stay moist in the oven. If you'd like to use chicken breast or drumsticks, you can just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Other Easy Chicken Dinners
If you like super easy to make chicken recipes like this one, here are some others that I know you'll love, too.
- Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs
- Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Bang Bang Chicken Tenders
- Fried Chicken Tacos
Zesty Italian Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- Dry Zesty Italian Dressing
- Brown Sugar
- Chicken Thighs
- Parsley For Garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350.
First, add the chicken thighs into a baking dish. Feel free to trim the fat if you want.
Now, add the Zesty Italian Dressing.
Next, add the brown sugar.
Then, mix everything together until it’s evenly coated onto the chicken thighs.
Now, place it into the center rack of the oven for 30 minutes
Then, take the chicken out of the oven and baste it in all the juice that it made when cooking.
Now, place it back in the oven for another 30 minutes.
Finally, serve the chicken warm with some sauce spooned over it and parsley for garnish (optional) and enjoy!
Zesty Italian Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- .06 Oz Dry Zesty Italian Dressing Packet
- 3 Pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- First, add the chicken thighs to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish
- Now add the Italian dressing packet and the brown sugar. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes
- Baste the chicken in all the juice that it produced
- Bake for another 30 minutes
- Finally, garnish with some chopped parsley (optional) and enjoy!
Patrick says
The thought of the brown sugar and zesty Italian is making my mouth water, can't wait to try this!
Al Dente Diva says
Thanks so much! I hope you like it
Anonymous says
I agree! Looks so good
Al Dente Diva says
Thank you!
Betty Gilmour says
About how much brown sugar did you use?
Al Dente Diva says
Oops I forgot to upload the recipe card! Thank you I just added it. It’s 1/2 a cup
Liz says
I’m making it tonight! Can’t wait to try it. Your recipes are a godsend. ?
Al Dente Diva says
Thank you so so much. Enjoy!
Vanessa Cabrales says
Hi. I'm making this for a family of 8. Can this be doubled? Thanks!
Al Dente Diva says
Absolutely!! Enjoy
Jimmy Dooley says
Wow, This was really crazy good! I used bnls chicken breast cause I had it in the fridge. (Cut down the cooking time just a little) Can’t wait to use bnls thighs! Thanks for this one!
Al Dente Diva says
It’s my pleasure. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
Daniela Salemo says
I made this chicken for dinner last night. One of the best chickens I’ve ever made. It was so tender and delicious. My family loved it! Your recipes are great and super easy!
Al Dente Diva says
Yay this makes me so happy. Thanks for letting me know!
Anonymous says
Curious if you’ve tried this as a crockpot recipe. I love chicken thighs in the crock pot and we’re a busy family! Looking forward to trying it either way 🙂
Al Dente Diva says
Hi! I’ve never tried it but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Johanna Skid says
Hi! If I use chicken breast, how long do you recommend? Should I do bone in or boneless? So appreciate your advice!
Al Dente Diva says
Hello! No matter what cut you use just make sure the internal temp of the chicken is 165°. I’d stick to the original time and temp and add 5-10 or so minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
Lillian Zayas Bazan says
Do I have to use brown sugar? Or can I put less?
Al Dente Diva says
Yes the brown sugar is a must. 2 cups is ideal but if youd like to use less you can
Jeff Fitz says
Hello Tara.
I am going to try this zesty italian chicken. The brown sugar in the video appears to be dark brown sugar. Do you use dark or light brown sugar? Thank You. I love all your recipes.
Al Dente Diva says
Hey Jeff! Thank you so so much. I appreciate you trying some of them 🙂 I used both dark and light brown sugar and they’re both great but I prefer dark brown.
Anonymous says
I made this tonight.. INCREDIBLE!!
I wasn't sure at first about the flavor combo, but it was amazing! Will definitely make again!!
Anonymous says
Would this work with porkchops instead of chicken?
Al Dente Diva says
I’ve never tried it but I don’t see why not