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.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
These zesty Italian chicken thighs recipe is one of those effortless, throw it together dinners that tastes like you tried way harder than you actually did on it. With just a few pantry staples, you get tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky and savory glaze. This is pure comfort food. No marinating or no complicated prep, just mix, bake, baste, and let the oven do the work. It couldn't be easier to make and is perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
The combination of sweet brown sugar and zesty Italian seasoning creates a sauce that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Leaving the dish uncovered allows the chicken to brown while the sauce thickens and clings to every bite. A quick baste halfway through ensures maximum flavor and juiciness. My family absolutely loves this one and I know you will, too!
Ingredients
Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious chicken dinner. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements in the recipe cared below.
- Dry Zesty Italian Dressing- Brings bold flavor with a mix of herbs, garlic and tang. It has everything included in the packet for the perfect seasoning here. I used Good Seasons Zesty Italian Dressing.
- Brown Sugar- Adds sweetness and it creates a caramelized glaze as the chicken bakes. It's a really nice contrast against the Italian dressing. I used Dominos Dark Brown Sugar.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs- They're naturally juicy and stay tender when being being cooked. I highly recommend Bell & Evans brand.
- Parsley For Garnish- An optional garnish that brings a pop of color to the dish.
Instructions
Here is how to make this delicious dinner. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 350.
First, add the chicken thighs, dry zesty Italian dressing and brown sugar to a to a 9 x 13" baking dish. Mix everything together until it’s evenly coated onto the chicken thighs.
PRO TIP: I like to mix the ingredients into the chicken using food safe gloves to really get it nice and coated.
NOTE: If there is extra fat on the chicken thighs, feel free to trim it.
Now, place it into the center rack of the oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Take the chicken out of the oven and baste it in all the juice that it made when cooking. Place it back in the oven for another 30 minutes.
PRO TIP: Placing the baking dish in the center rack of the oven will allow the hot air of the oven to circulate better and allow the chicken to cook evenly.
NOTE: Baking it uncovered allows the sauce to thicken and and caramelize instead of steaming the chicken.
Finally, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the sauce over it, garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Allowing the chicken to rest will let the sauce thicken up and the sauces redistribute so the chicken is nice and juicy.
What Can I Serve This With?
This zesty Italian chicken thighs are fantastic served with rice, potatoes or vegetables like Frozen Roasted Green Beans or Roasted Garlic Parmesan Broccoli.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you can but thighs are perfect for this because they stay juicy and don't dry out like chicken breasts can.
Can This Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this can be made ahead of time. Assemble everything for up to 24 hours in advance and place it, covered, into the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before placing it into the oven.
Can I Use Another Italian Dressing Packet?
Yes, you can for sure. The Zesty Italian Dressing packet works great for this but the Garlic And Herb or the Original Italian favor would both be great options for this recipe.
Storage
Let the chicken cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Featured Products
Check out the products that I used in this recipe tutorial on my Amazon Store.
- Storage Containers- These are my favorite. They're the perfect size for storing leftovers, BPA free and dishwasher safe.
- Extra Large Clear Baster With Cleaning Brush- I love using a clear baster so you can see how much liquid you've suctioned up. This one is large and dishwasher safe, too!
Zesty Italian Chicken Thighs Recipe
Equipment
- 9" x 13" baking dish
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
- A dd the chicken thighs, Italian dressing packet and the brown sugar to a 9 x 13" baking dish. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Place it into the center rack of the oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes
- Baste the chicken in all the juice that it produced and place it back into the oven for another 30 minutes.
- Finally, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the sauce over it, garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
Other Easy Chicken Dinners
If you like super easy to make chicken dinners like this one, you have to try Chicken Divan, Cheese Baked Caesar Chicken and Crockpot Chicken And Noodles.
Al Dente Diva says
Yes the brown sugar is a must. 2 cups is ideal but if youd like to use less you can
Lillian Zayas Bazan says
Do I have to use brown sugar? Or can I put less?
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.
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
Hi! I’ve never tried it but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
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
Yay this makes me so happy. Thanks for letting me know!
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
It’s my pleasure. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
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!