Easy Italian Baked Chicken
This Easy Italian Baked Chicken is a quick, effortless recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. Marinated in zesty Italian dressing, the chicken breasts are baked until tender and juicy, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it alongside seasoned broccoli spears and fluffy white rice for a delightful meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With minimal prep and cleanup, this dish proves that delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated.
2
Servings
215
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
2 (trimmed of excess fat)
Italian dressing
1 cup (for marinating)
Italian dressing
2 tbsp (for drizzling on top)
seasoning
to taste (any preferred seasoning blend (e.g., garlic powder, pepper, or Italian herbs))
Instructions
1
Start by trimming any excess fat from the two boneless chicken breasts to ensure a leaner meal.
2
In a resealable bag or a Tupperware container, pour in 1 cup of Italian dressing. This will act as a marinade, introducing flavor and tenderness to the chicken.
3
Add the trimmed chicken breasts to the dressing, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or container and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give you a hot cooking environment for perfectly baked chicken.
5
While the oven is preheating, prepare a baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6
Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the dressing and discard the marinade to avoid any contamination.
7
Place the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. To enhance the flavor further, pour 2 tablespoons of fresh Italian dressing over each piece of chicken.
8
Season the chicken according to your taste preferences, adding any additional spices or herbs you like.
9
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat is no longer pink inside.
10
Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it hot with your choice of sides, such as seasoned broccoli and plain white rice.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Italian Baked Chicken?
Easy Italian Baked Chicken is a quick, effortless recipe featuring chicken breasts marinated in zesty Italian dressing and baked until tender.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long does the chicken take to bake?
The chicken typically takes about 20 minutes to bake.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
It is recommended to fully thaw chicken breasts before marinating and baking for even cooking.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses two boneless chicken breasts trimmed of excess fat.
Should I reuse the marinade?
No, always discard the marinade that touched the raw chicken to avoid contamination.
What sides are recommended with this dish?
Seasoned broccoli spears and fluffy white rice are excellent side dish choices.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 215 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 30g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9g of fat.
Are there many carbohydrates in this recipe?
No, there are only 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, spray the baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
How much dressing is used for the marinade?
One cup of Italian dressing is used for the marinade process.
Is extra dressing added before baking?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of fresh Italian dressing are drizzled over each breast before baking.
What seasonings should I add?
You can use any preferred seasoning blend, such as garlic powder, pepper, or Italian herbs.
How can I tell the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The meat should no longer be pink inside and the juices should run clear.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is specifically described as a quick and effortless recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than an hour?
Yes, marinating longer can further enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-effort meal option.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken Breast dishes.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
While the recipe calls for breasts, thighs can be used, though baking times may need to be adjusted.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires only 4 main ingredients.
Is this recipe easy to clean up?
Yes, the minimal prep and single-dish baking make cleanup very simple.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve four people; just ensure the chicken is in a single layer.
Does this recipe include fiber information?
The recipe data indicates that fiber content is null.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include chicken, baked chicken, easy recipe, italian dressing, quick meal, and weeknight dinner.