Sometimes the best dinners are the ones that look impressive but secretly take almost no effort. This baked Italian chicken is exactly that kind of recipe — juicy, tender chicken breasts soaked in zesty Italian dressing, then baked until perfectly flavorful.
It’s one of those meals you’ll keep on repeat because:
- Minimal ingredients
- Almost zero prep
- Family-friendly taste
- Perfect for busy weekdays
Honestly, people will think you spent hours cooking… but you only needed a few minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic is in the marinade. Italian dressing already contains:
- Oil (keeps chicken moist)
- Vinegar (tenderizes meat)
- Herbs & spices (adds flavor instantly)
So instead of mixing seasonings yourself — the dressing does all the work.
Ingredients Explained
Chicken Breasts
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for best results.
Piercing them allows the marinade to soak deep inside, making the chicken extra juicy instead of dry.
Italian-Style Salad Dressing
This is the entire flavor base of the recipe.
Choose any bottled Italian dressing — regular, zesty, or garlic flavored all work perfectly.
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and pierce each breast several times with a fork.
This helps the marinade penetrate the meat.
2. Marinate
Place chicken in a large zip bag or bowl.
Pour Italian dressing over it and coat well.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
3. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Lightly grease a baking dish.
4. Bake
Remove chicken from marinade and place in dish.
Discard leftover marinade.
Bake for about 1 hour, turning occasionally.
5. Check Doneness
Chicken is ready when:
- Internal temperature = 165°F (74°C)
- Juices run clear
Let rest 5 minutes, then serve.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor
- Don’t skip piercing the chicken — big difference in taste
- If breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally for even cooking
- Let chicken rest before cutting so juices stay inside
Variations You Can Try
Cheesy Italian Chicken
Add mozzarella or parmesan during last 10 minutes of baking.
Garlic Butter Version
Add 2 tbsp melted butter + minced garlic before baking.
Grilled Version
Instead of baking, grill 6–7 minutes per side.
Vegetable Bake
Add potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the same pan.
What to Serve With It
- Rice or garlic rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Pasta
- Fresh salad
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer
Freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months
Reheat
Microwave: 1–2 minutes
Oven: 300°F covered for 10 minutes
(Add a splash of water to keep moist)
Easy Baked Italian Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pierce chicken breasts several times with a fork.
- Place chicken in a zip bag and pour Italian dressing over it.
- Seal and marinate in refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade and place in greased baking dish.
- Discard leftover marinade.
- Bake for about 1 hour, turning occasionally.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinate overnight for best flavor
- Add cheese during last 10 minutes for variation
- Slice thick breasts for even cooking
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes — even juicier and cooks faster.
Can I cook it less than 1 hour?
Yes if thin — cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.
Can I reuse marinade?
No. Always discard after raw chicken.
Is this spicy?
No, but zesty dressing adds mild tang.
