3 Ingredient Italian Chicken
3 Ingredient Italian Chicken bakes boneless chicken with brown sugar and dry Italian dressing mix for a tender sweet-savory dinner. It is a low-prep family meal that works well with rice, potatoes, vegetables, or simple weeknight sides.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs use similar-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix standard packet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the chicken in one even layer in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Stir the brown sugar and dry Italian dressing mix together in a small bowl until the seasoning is evenly blended.
- Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the chicken and press it lightly onto the surface.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes so the chicken begins cooking gently.
- Remove the foil, spoon pan juices over the chicken, and bake for 10-20 minutes more until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes, then serve with the sweet-savory pan sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat covered portions gently in the oven or microwave with a spoonful of sauce until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken with some sauce for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Best Tips: Use chicken pieces that are close in size and check early if your breasts are thin.
Variations: Use boneless thighs, reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup, or add sliced onions under the chicken.
Serving Ideas: Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, buttered noodles, or a crisp salad.