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
Did you know that I have a cookbook called Fast Simple Delicious? It’s 60 out no fuss no fail comfort food recipes perfect for busy weekday dinners.

Click HERE to order your copy or click the 3 lines in the top right corner and click “Book”. Thank you for the support.
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!
Al Dente Diva says
Hi! Thanks so much for letting me know that you like it ?. No, I haven’t tried it in the crockpot before, sorry.
Shannon says
I have made this several times, it is so good!!
Wanted to ask if you have tried it in the crockpot? If o how long, etc?
Al Dente Diva says
I’ve never tried it but I don’t see why not
Anonymous says
Would this work with porkchops instead of chicken?
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!!
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.
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.