Looking for a no-fuss chicken dinner that always hits the spot? This baked Italian dressing chicken is your answer! It’s the kind of recipe that saves the day when you’re short on time but still want something that tastes like you put in way more effort. Just pour on the dressing, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. Trust me, once you try this easy method, it’ll become your go-to chicken recipe for busy weeknights.
Ingredient Substitutions
For those seeking a dairy-free option, the Parmesan cheese can be replaced with nutritional yeast. Use about 1/3 cup of nutritional yeast to achieve a similar cheesy flavor and texture. This substitution also adds B-vitamins to the dish. Italian salad dressing can be swapped with a homemade mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs for a fresher taste and to control sodium content. Use 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of dried Italian herb blend. For a lower-fat alternative, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts. They offer more flavor and moisture, but may require slightly longer cooking time. Adjust baking time accordingly and use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.
| Preparation Time | 15-1440 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-1465 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 900-1000
- Protein: 90-100 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 g
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup italian salad dressing
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the smallest baking dish that will allow all of them to lie flat in one layer, ensuring even cooking.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour your choice of dressing over the top of the chicken.
Cover the dish and place it in the fridge to marinate.
Allow the chicken to marinate for as little as 15 minutes or up to 24 hours.
If marinating for an hour or longer, remember to flip the chicken over about halfway through the marinating time to ensure even flavor absorption.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Bake the Chicken
When ready to bake, remove the baking dish from the fridge and allow the chicken to come to room temperature.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Once the oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake the chicken, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Add Parmesan and Finish Baking
After the initial baking, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of each breast.
Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F at the thickest point of the chicken.
For a nicely browned crust, turn the oven to broil for the final minute or two of cooking.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a moment.
Serve the chicken with the sauce from the baking dish, and if desired, add a sprinkling of fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and juicy marinated chicken!
