A dry dressing packet and just two other ingredients are all you need to create the most delicious zesty Italian chicken thighs.
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.
Mix everything together in a baking dish, pop it into the oven and boom! You’re done.
The flavor the you get from the Italian dressing packet mixed with the brown sugar is incredible!
Its both sweet and zesty at the same time.
I love this one for a super fast, no fuss weeknight dinner.
It became an instant family favorite recipe at my house and I hope it becomes one at your house too.
Other easy dinner ideas
If you’re looking for other simple and delicious dinners, here are a few ideas you’ll love also.
- Chicken noodle casserole
- Doritos taco pizza
- Tik Toks viral alfredo sauce
- Chopped cheese sandwich
- The best shells and cheese
Do I have to use chicken thighs?
Not necessarily.
I just love chicken thighs because they’re juicier and don’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts do.
If you’re not a fan of thighs or have chicken breast in the fridge, feel free to use it instead.
That would totally work as a substitute.
Recipe variations
The dry Italian dressing packet that I’m using is the zesty one.
There are two other packet options that would be amazing though also.
The regular Italian dressing and garlic and herb.
Either one of these would be great to try mixed with the brown sugar.
What to serve zesty Italian chicken thighs with
Of course, whatever you want to serve as side dishes is completely up to you.
If you need a little inspiration I like to make rice as one side or Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes
The chicken produces a lot of juices when it’s cooking. The rice is nice because it soaks all of that goodness up.
Then I go for a vegetable. I did peas and carrots this time but I love roasted broccoli with this too.
Any vegetable any way would be great though.
Zesty chicken thighs, rice/potatoes and a vegetable. Perfect!
Zesty Italian chicken thighs ingredients
- Zesty Italian dressing dry packet
- Brown sugar
- Chicken thighs
Instructions
First add the chicken thighs into a baking dish. Feel free to trim the fat if you want.
Now add the brown sugar.
Next add the dry packet of zesty Italian dressing.
Mix everything together until it’s evenly coated onto the chicken thighs.
Now bake it in the oven at 350° for 30 minutes.
Take the chicken out of the oven and baste it in all the juice that it made when cooking.
Then continue baking it for another 30 minutes.
Then spoon some of the sauce over the plated chicken
Serve warm over rice and enjoy!
Zesty Italian Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 .06 oz Zesty Italian Dressing Packet, dry
- 3 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
- Then 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
- I like to serve this with rice and veggies but choose whatever you'd like. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Easy dessert ideas
Now that you’ve got dinner covered, here are a few super easy dinner ideas you’ll love, too.
Comments (21)
Patrick
April 19, 2022 at 2:52 pm
The thought of the brown sugar and zesty Italian is making my mouth water, can’t wait to try this!
Al Dente Diva
April 19, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Thanks so much! I hope you like it
Anonymous
April 19, 2022 at 4:38 pm
I agree! Looks so good
Al Dente Diva
April 19, 2022 at 5:00 pm
Thank you!
Betty Gilmour
April 19, 2022 at 7:46 pm
About how much brown sugar did you use?
Al Dente Diva
April 19, 2022 at 9:16 pm
Oops I forgot to upload the recipe card! Thank you I just added it. It’s 1/2 a cup
Liz
May 11, 2022 at 9:45 pm
I’m making it tonight! Can’t wait to try it. Your recipes are a godsend. 😊
Al Dente Diva
May 12, 2022 at 11:44 am
Thank you so so much. Enjoy!
Vanessa Cabrales
May 19, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Hi. I’m making this for a family of 8. Can this be doubled? Thanks!
Al Dente Diva
May 19, 2022 at 8:11 pm
Absolutely!! Enjoy
Jimmy Dooley
May 22, 2022 at 12:44 am
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
May 22, 2022 at 12:48 am
It’s my pleasure. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
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Daniela Salemo
August 4, 2022 at 3:54 pm
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
August 7, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Yay this makes me so happy. Thanks for letting me know!
Anonymous
August 24, 2022 at 11:56 am
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
August 25, 2022 at 1:07 pm
Hi! I’ve never tried it but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Johanna Skid
July 25, 2023 at 1:26 am
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
July 25, 2023 at 12:07 pm
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.
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