Savory Herb and Soy Marinated Chicken Breasts
Delight your taste buds with these Savory Herb and Soy Marinated Chicken Breasts! This dish marries the tangy flavors of Italian dressing and soy sauce, creating a succulent marinade that infuses each bite with mouthwatering juiciness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only incredibly simple but also short on prep time. Just marinate the chicken, pop it in the oven, and use the free time to whip up sides or take care of other tasks. Loved by all, especially my husband who swears this is his favorite chicken dish, even more than classic fried chicken! Enjoy it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian dressing
1/2 cup (ready to use)
Soy sauce
1/2 cup (ready to use)
Bone-in chicken breast halves, with skin
6 pieces (cleaned and trimmed)
Onion powder
to taste (ready to sprinkle)
Garlic powder
to taste (ready to sprinkle)
Salt
to taste (ready to sprinkle)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the Italian dressing and soy sauce until well blended.
2
Pour the marinade into a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag and add the chicken breasts, ensuring they're fully coated in the marinade.
3
Seal the bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, turning the bag occasionally to redistribute the marinade. For maximum flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 36 hours.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
Prepare a shallow baking dish (a foil-lined cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray works well) and place the marinated chicken breasts in it, skin side up.
6
Generously sprinkle the chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt according to your taste preference.
7
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear. Basting occasionally with the juices can enhance flavor and moisture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade is a simple yet flavorful blend of 1/2 cup of Italian dressing and 1/2 cup of soy sauce.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 6 bone-in chicken breast halves with the skin left on for maximum juiciness and flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. You can marinate it for up to 36 hours.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to bake these chicken breasts.
How long does it take to bake the chicken?
Baking typically takes between 45 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
What seasonings are added before baking?
Once in the baking dish, the chicken is generously sprinkled with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to taste.
Should I use a specific type of baking dish?
A shallow baking dish or a foil-lined cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray works perfectly.
How should I position the chicken in the pan?
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish skin side up to allow the skin to brown and the meat to stay tender.
Is basting necessary during cooking?
While not mandatory, basting the chicken occasionally with its own juices can enhance both flavor and moisture.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is portioned to serve 6 people.
What are some recommended sides for this dish?
This savory chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
Can I marinate the chicken for more than 24 hours?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 36 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
What if I don't have Italian dressing?
Italian dressing provides the herb and vinegar base, but you could use a similar vinaigrette if necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is perfect for weeknights because the active prep time is very short once the marinating is done.
Do I need to turn the marinade bag?
Yes, it is recommended to turn the bag occasionally to ensure the marinade is redistributed evenly over the meat.
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead?
You can, but keep in mind that boneless breasts will cook much faster than bone-in pieces, so adjust your timer accordingly.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 6 primary ingredients: Italian dressing, soy sauce, bone-in chicken breasts, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
What makes this chicken so juicy?
The combination of the acidic Italian dressing, salty soy sauce, and leaving the bone and skin on helps lock in moisture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is a family favorite and is described as being loved by all, including picky eaters.
Should I wash the chicken before marinating?
The recipe calls for chicken that is cleaned and trimmed, though modern safety guidelines suggest patting dry rather than rinsing.
Can I use a different type of soy sauce?
Standard soy sauce is used, but you can substitute low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your salt intake.
What does the onion and garlic powder add?
These spices add an extra layer of savory herb flavor that complements the marinated meat.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
While designed for chicken, this savory soy and herb blend would also work well with pork chops or turkey.
Does this recipe have a lot of prep work?
No, the prep work is incredibly simple and short, making it an easy recipe to manage.
Why use a gallon-sized bag?
A gallon-sized resealable bag is large enough to hold all 6 chicken breast halves and the marinade comfortably.
Is this dish better than fried chicken?
According to the recipe author's husband, this is his favorite chicken dish, even more than classic fried chicken!
How do I prepare the baking pan for easy cleanup?
Lining your cookie sheet with foil before spraying with non-stick spray makes cleanup much faster.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade bag to save for a future meal.
What category of food is this?
This is a savory main dish categorized as baked or marinated chicken, ideal for dinner.