Description
This Italian Dressing Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in zesty Italian dressing and baked to perfection with a delicious Parmesan cheese crust. It’s an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together quickly and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the smallest baking dish that fits all pieces in a single layer. Lightly sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper, then pour the Italian dressing evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Marinate: Cover the baking dish and place it in the refrigerator. Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 15 minutes and up to 24 hours. If the dressing doesn’t cover all parts of the chicken, add a bit more dressing and flip the breasts halfway through the marinating time for even flavor.
- Preheat the oven: When ready to cook, remove the dish from the fridge. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the baking dish, including the dressing, to the oven. Bake the chicken breasts for at least 20 minutes. Thicker breasts may need additional time to cook through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add Parmesan cheese: During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken to create a flavorful crust.
- Optional broil for crust: For a nicely browned top, switch the oven to broil during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the chicken hot, optionally garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for added brightness and flavor. Enjoy your tasty Italian Dressing Chicken!
Notes
- For best results, use average-sized chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust marinating time based on your schedule; longer marinating enhances flavor but is not mandatory.
- If you prefer a lower-sodium dish, opt for a low-sodium Italian dressing.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness to avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil complement this dish beautifully when sprinkled before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American