3-Ingredient Italian Chicken

This 3-ingredient Italian chicken is a lifesaver on busy weeknights and yet always ends up with everyone at the table asking for seconds. Using only pantry basics you probably already have around this chicken gets shockingly juicy and flavorful thanks to a sweet-savory glaze that comes together right in the oven.

I whipped this up on a night when my fridge was almost bare and fell in love with how much flavor came from such a simple mix. Since then it has become my go-to when friends or family unexpectedly drop by.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: brings lean protein and stays moist when baked I find thighs are juicier but both work beautifully Choose fresh if possible for best texture
• Brown sugar: creates a caramelized sticky glaze for a touch of sweetness Use fresh soft brown sugar and avoid any that feels hard or dry
• Dry Italian salad dressing mix: infuses the chicken with herby tangy notes Look for a good quality mix in the spice aisle as the flavor will really shine here

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the coating stick well Then trim any extra fat and set aside

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees F for even baking Make sure the oven is fully heated before the chicken goes in

Combine the Coating:

In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar and dry Italian dressing mix until there are no clumps The sugar and herbs should be thoroughly combined

Dredge the Chicken:

Coat each piece of chicken on all sides with the sugar and herb mixture Press firmly to create an even layer for max flavor

Arrange in Baking Pan:

Place the coated chicken into a 13 x 9 inch baking dish in a single layer Make sure the pieces are not overlapping so they bake evenly

Add Remaining Mixture:

Sprinkle any extra sugar and dressing mix evenly over the top for extra flavor and browning as it bakes

Bake and Baste:

Bake the chicken uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes Every 20 minutes or so spoon some of the juices from the pan over the chicken to keep it moist and glossy

Finish and Serve:

Once the chicken is deeply browned and the juices run clear remove from the oven Let it rest for five minutes before serving to let juices redistribute

Pin

The dressing mix is definitely my favorite part because it makes the whole house smell like an Italian bistro My youngest always asks for the “sweet chicken” because that caramelized edge is so special for kids

Storage Tips

Let extra chicken cool completely before transferring to airtight containers Refrigerate for up to four days or freeze for up to three months Slice or shred for easy meal prep The flavors deepen after a day or two making leftovers even better

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of brown sugar try honey or maple syrup in a pinch For the Italian dressing mix you can make your own using a blend of dried oregano basil parsley onion powder and garlic powder Both chicken breasts and thighs work but thighs will be more juicy if you tend to overbake

Pin

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken alongside buttered pasta and a green salad or spoon the pan juices over roasted potatoes For a full one-pan dinner scatter fresh or frozen green beans around the chicken before baking Add some mushrooms for extra savoriness

Cultural Context

This style of oven-baked glazed chicken gets its roots from Italian American family cooking where pantry staples are turned into weeknight feasts The “just add packet” approach is a trick I spotted in vintage community cookbooks and it absolutely works for modern schedules

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, both boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well and deliver juicy results. Adjust bake time if using thinner cuts.

→ How can I enhance the flavor even more?

Try adding fresh herbs, garlic, or tossing in vegetables like mushrooms or green beans to cook alongside the chicken.

→ Does the sugar make the chicken taste too sweet?

The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that pairs with the savory Italian dressing, creating a balanced flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Leftovers also reheat well for the next day.

→ What side dishes go well with this?

Serve the chicken with roasted potatoes, pasta, or a fresh green salad to complement its Italian flavors.