Easy Baked Italian Chicken Recipe
Okay, so let’s get real. We’re talking about Easy Baked Italian Chicken Recipe — and before you roll your eyes thinking, “Ugh, another boring chicken recipe,” hear me out. This isn’t just any chicken. It’s the kind of chicken that makes weeknights feel like a Sunday dinner. It’s the one you can throw together when you’re staring blankly into the fridge at 6 PM, wondering how dinner is going to magically appear. It is chef’s kiss easy and the family loves it!
My husband, bless his heart, isn’t the most adventurous eater. But this? He devours it. The first time I made this, he went back for seconds AND thirds. The kids even ate their veggies without a fight (okay, maybe a little fight, but still!). It’s become a staple in our house – and when I say staple, I mean I make it at least twice a month. There was this one time where my youngest dumped his peas all over it… Let’s just say we needed reinforcements and lots of napkins.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Italian Chicken Recipe
- Because it’s so dang simple that even I can’t mess it up (and trust me, I’ve had my kitchen fails!).
- It tastes like you spent hours slaving over a hot stove, when really, you were probably just binge-watching Netflix.
- The kids will actually eat it. I mean, that’s a win in itself, right?
- It’s versatile! Serve it with rice, pasta, veggies, a side salad, or just eat it straight from the pan (don’t judge).
- It smells amazing while it’s baking. Like, seriously, candle-worthy amazing.
How to Make It
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This is SO easy. First, you’re gonna preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) because, well, we need heat to cook the chicken. Now, grab a baking dish and lightly grease it. I usually use cooking spray, but sometimes I just drizzle in some olive oil. Whatever works, right?
Next, in a bowl – any bowl will do, even that chipped one you swear you’ll replace someday – mix together Italian dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Okay, here’s where I usually wing it a little. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m feeling spicy, or a little extra garlic powder because…garlic.
Now, take your chicken breasts (I usually use boneless, skinless ones because I’m lazy, but you do you!) and dunk them in the Italian mixture, making sure they’re coated on all sides. Honestly, I just throw them in and use my hands. Less dishes, am I right?
Place the coated chicken breasts in your greased baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you’re like me and don’t have a meat thermometer, just cut into the thickest part. If it looks done, it’s probably done!
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This is important! It lets the juices redistribute, making it extra tender and flavorful. Then, boom! Dinner is served!
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Ingredient Notes
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- Italian Dressing: The base! I usually use a store-bought bottle, but if you’re feeling fancy, homemade works too. Just make sure it’s the Italian dressing not the creamy kind!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Don’t skip this! It adds a salty, cheesy goodness that takes this chicken to the next level. Freshly grated is best, but the stuff in the green can works in a pinch.
- Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with garlic, duh. You could use fresh garlic, but let’s be honest, we’re going for easy here.
- Dried Oregano & Basil: These are the Italian herbs that make this chicken taste like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant. Don’t skimp!
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste! I usually add a generous pinch of both, but adjust according to your preference.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Grease a baking dish lightly
- Mix Italian dressing, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Coat chicken breasts in the Italian mixture.
- Place chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest before serving.
What to Serve It With
Okay, so this chicken is super versatile. I love serving it with a simple side salad and some roasted veggies. Rice or pasta are also great options. Sometimes, if I’m feeling lazy, I just serve it with some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. No judgments here!
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the chicken! Nobody likes dry, rubbery chicken. Use a meat thermometer if you have one, or just cut into the thickest part to check for doneness.
- If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s completely thawed before baking. Otherwise, it will take longer to cook and might not cook evenly.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or a little lemon zest for some brightness.
- If you don’t have Italian dressing, you can make your own! Just whisk together olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. There are a million recipes online.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? If there are any, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Honestly, it never lasts that long in my house. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or just eat it cold! Cold Italian chicken is surprisingly good on a salad. Or, dare I say, for breakfast? Don’t judge, we’ve all been there!
Variations and Substitutions
Okay, so sometimes I get creative (or, more accurately, desperate) when I’m making this. If I don’t have Italian dressing, I’ve used a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning. It works in a pinch! If I’m out of Parmesan cheese (gasp!), I’ve used mozzarella or even a sprinkle of cheddar. It’s not quite the same, but it’s still tasty. And if you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Once, I accidentally used ranch dressing instead of Italian. I do not recommend that.
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Easy Baked Italian Chicken Recipe
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Easy Baked Italian Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, then top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
