Zesty Italian Skillet Chicken
This Zesty Italian Skillet Chicken is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that brings bright, vibrant flavors to your kitchen. Created out of necessity when the oven broke, this dish combines juicy chicken legs and thighs marinated in a tangy Italian dressing. The stovetop cooking method ensures that every piece is perfectly tender and infused with the rich, herbal notes of the dressing. Pair it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a satisfying dinner that's ready in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken legs
3-4 (Bone-in, skin-on)
Chicken thighs
3-4 (Bone-in, skin-on)
Italian dressing
1/2 cup (Store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the chicken legs and thighs with the Italian dressing, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
2
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, although 1-2 hours is recommended for maximum flavor. Turn or shake the bowl occasionally to recoat the chicken.
3
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
4
After 10 minutes, turn the chicken pieces over, cover the pan again, and cook for an additional 10 minutes. If the chicken starts to sizzle too loudly or smell like it’s burning, reduce the heat.
5
Remove the lid and drizzle any leftover dressing over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
6
Continue to cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is browned and the dressing has thickened into a dark golden glaze.
7
Once cooked through, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Zesty Italian Skillet Chicken!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Italian Skillet Chicken?
It is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring chicken legs and thighs marinated in Italian dressing and cooked entirely on the stovetop.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires only three main ingredients: chicken legs, chicken thighs, and Italian dressing.
What cuts of chicken are best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs and thighs are recommended for maximum juiciness and flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A minimum of 30 minutes is required, but 1-2 hours is recommended for the best flavor infusion.
Can I use store-bought Italian dressing?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade Italian dressing for this recipe.
What should I do if the chicken starts to smell like it is burning?
If the chicken sizzles too loudly or smells like it is burning, you should immediately reduce the heat.
Do I need to use an oven for this chicken recipe?
No, this recipe is designed specifically for the stovetop, making it perfect for when an oven is unavailable.
How do I achieve the dark golden glaze on the chicken?
The glaze is achieved by cooking the chicken uncovered for the final 10-15 minutes after drizzling with leftover dressing.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the chicken is marinated in a bowl but cooked entirely in a single large frying pan.
What sides go well with Zesty Italian Skillet Chicken?
It pairs well with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice to soak up the zesty glaze.
How long does the cooking process take?
The active cooking time is approximately 30 to 35 minutes on the stovetop.
Why is the pan covered during the first part of cooking?
Covering the pan helps trap heat and moisture to ensure the bone-in chicken pieces cook through evenly.
How many pieces of chicken does this recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 3-4 chicken legs and 3-4 chicken thighs, totaling about 6-8 pieces.
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
You can, but you will need to significantly reduce the cooking time to prevent the meat from drying out.
Should I shake the marinade bowl during refrigeration?
Yes, turning or shaking the bowl occasionally helps ensure all pieces of chicken remain thoroughly coated.
What temperature should I use for the frying pan?
Medium heat is ideal for this recipe to brown the chicken without burning the sugars in the dressing.
When do I add the leftover dressing?
Drizzle the leftover dressing over the chicken after the first 20 minutes of covered cooking is complete.
Does the chicken need to rest after cooking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender result.
Is this recipe good for weeknight dinners?
Absolutely, it is tagged as an easy weeknight dinner because of its minimal ingredients and simple cleanup.
What makes the chicken 'zesty'?
The tanginess and herbal notes from the Italian dressing provide the signature zesty flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe with just thighs?
Yes, you can use any combination of legs and thighs as long as the total amount fits in your skillet.
How much Italian dressing is required?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of Italian dressing.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich flavor and hearty chicken portions.
Do I need to add extra oil to the pan?
Usually, the oil contained in the Italian dressing is sufficient to prevent sticking, especially if using skin-on chicken.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It has bright, vibrant, and herbal flavors with a tangy finish from the vinaigrette base.
Can I prepare the marinade the night before?
Yes, marinating overnight in the refrigerator can further deepen the flavor of the chicken.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the quantity of chicken, it typically serves 4 people.
Should the chicken be at room temperature before cooking?
It is best to take it straight from the refrigerator after marinating to the hot pan for safety and texture.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, the chicken stores well and can be reheated for lunches or dinners later in the week.
What is the final texture of the chicken skin?
Because it is glazed in the dressing, the skin becomes dark, golden, and slightly tacky rather than crispy-fried.