Easy Chicken Italiano
A quick and flavorful chicken dish with Italian dressing and vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, served over pasta or rice with optional Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine chicken strips and about 1/4 of the Italian dressing.
- Saute until the chicken begins to brown.
- Add the frozen vegetables and the remaining dressing.
- Cover and simmer for about 7 to 9 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Serve over cooked pasta or rice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked chicken strips. You can also substitute the Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette or any other flavored dressing you prefer. If you want to add more flavor, toss in some Italian herbs like oregano or basil. This dish pairs wonderfully with other Italian recipes, so consider serving it alongside Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delightful served over a bed of hot, cooked pasta or rice. To enhance the meal, consider adding a side salad or some crusty bread. It also goes well with a light white wine. For added richness, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving to elevate the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Chicken Italiano contains roughly 277 calories, with 7g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1172mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the California style frozen vegetables with any other frozen mix or fresh vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini would all work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on your vegetable choice to ensure they are crisp-tender.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pan when sautéing the chicken. You can also use a spicy Italian dressing or add sliced jalapeños with the vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Easy Chicken Italiano is great for meal prep! You can cook a larger batch and divide it into individual portions. Just store them in meal prep containers and reheat as needed. It's an excellent option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).