Amazing Italian Dressing Chicken
A delightful dish combining juicy chicken with zesty Italian dressing, fresh vegetables, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for impressing guests or family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts Trim any excess fat and pat dry. Alternatives: chicken thighs or tofu.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 cup Italian dressing Use quality store-bought or homemade dressing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be used as an alternative.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Fresh chopped onion can be used as an alternative.
- to taste salt and pepper Be cautious of oversalting due to the saltiness of the dressing.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Rinse and halve before adding. Alternatives: zucchini or bell peppers.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese Grate or slice to sprinkle over chicken before serving. Parmesan can be used as an alternative.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts with Italian dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Place the marinated chicken in the prepared dish and pour any remaining dressing over it.
- If using cherry tomatoes, scatter them around the chicken.
Cooking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, with juices running clear and a meat thermometer reading 165°F (74°C).
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle mozzarella over the chicken and continue baking until melted and bubbly.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Customize with your favorite vegetables and serve with fresh herbs. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.