Introduction
If you think delicious dinners need a mile-long ingredient list, think again. Three-Ingredient Baked Chicken proves that simple can be sensational. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you get juicy, tender chicken with a golden-brown crust that’s full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or those moments when you just don’t feel like cooking but still want something home-cooked.
The best part? No complicated techniques, no exotic spices — just a few simple steps, and you’re done. This is one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that will have your kitchen smelling incredible.
Ingredients – What You’ll Need
Here’s your quick shopping list. I’ve included exact measurements so there’s no guessing:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 oz each) – Fresh or thawed, not frozen.
- 1/2 cup Italian salad dressing – I recommend Ken’s Steakhouse Italian or Wish-Bone Zesty Italian for bold flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated if possible, but the classic green shaker works too.
(Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, lemon wedges)
Step-by-Step Preparation – Barney Style
Let’s break it down as simply as possible:
- Preheat your oven – Set it to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep your baking dish – Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or non-stick spray.
- Pat chicken dry – Use paper towels to remove extra moisture (this helps the sauce stick and the chicken brown).
- Coat the chicken – Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag, pour the Italian dressing over it, and toss or shake until well coated.
- Arrange in the dish – Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer in your prepared dish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan – Evenly distribute the cheese over the chicken breasts.
Baking Instructions – Getting It Just Right
- Place the baking dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra golden cheese, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes — keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving (this keeps the juices inside).
Secret Tip: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the Italian dressing for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking — it deepens the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.
- Sides: This pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Drizzle the pan juices over the chicken just before serving.
Extra Tips & Tweaks
- For Low-Carb/Keto: Use a low-carb Italian dressing and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing before baking.
- Make It Crispy: After baking, broil for 2–3 extra minutes for a slight crunch.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook extra chicken breasts, slice, and store for salads, wraps, or sandwiches during the week.
Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Thighs will be juicier — just adjust cooking time to about 35–40 minutes.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the dressing overnight, then bake the next day.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, store cooled chicken in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Do I need to flip the chicken while baking?
A: Nope! Baking in a single layer cooks it evenly without flipping.
Q: What if I don’t have Italian dressing?
A: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs for a quick homemade version.
Wrap-Up
Three-Ingredient Baked Chicken is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something tasty. It’s fuss-free, flavorful, and versatile enough for both casual family dinners and meal prep. Plus, with only three main ingredients, cleanup is a breeze.
Fun Fact: Italian dressing isn’t just for salads — it’s one of the easiest marinades for chicken because it already has the perfect balance of oil, acid, and herbs.
If you’ve been craving something simple, comforting, and downright delicious, this is the recipe to try tonight.
