Marinated Baked Chicken
Marinated baked chicken features tender, flavorful meat with a savory blend of Italian dressing and soy sauce, ideal for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner with rich, tangy notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a measuring cup, combine Italian salad dressing and soy sauce.
- Pour 3/4 cup of the dressing mixture into a large Ziploc plastic bag.
- Add the chicken breast halves to the bag, seal, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight, turning several times. Reserve remaining marinade for basting.
- Drain the chicken, discarding the marinade.
- Place the chicken, skin side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Sprinkle the chicken with onion salt and garlic salt.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 to 60 minutes until juices run clear or a meat thermometer reads 170°F.
- Occasionally brush the chicken with the reserved marinade during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider using a homemade Italian dressing. If you're out of onion salt or garlic salt, you can use regular salt and add freshly minced onion and garlic instead. Marinating overnight yields the best flavor. To ensure even cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This recipe pairs beautifully with Quick And Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the marinated baked chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious marinade. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving it alongside Grandma Huffmaster's Chicken for a delightful family feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinated baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the chicken's moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinated Baked Chicken contains roughly 252 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2358mg per serving (103% 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 boneless chicken breasts instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but adjust the baking time to about 25-35 minutes, as they cook faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption. The marinade will still provide great flavor, just be careful not to overcook the chicken.
What can I do with the leftover marinade?
You can use leftover marinade as a baste while baking, but be sure to boil it for at least 5 minutes first to kill any bacteria from the raw chicken. Alternatively, you can use it as a dipping sauce or mix it with cooked vegetables to create a tasty stir-fry.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 4 hours?
While 4 hours is recommended for optimal flavor, even a 30-minute marinade can improve the taste. If you're short on time, try marinating for a shorter period, but for the best results, aim for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
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).