How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Italian Chicken Bake
Italian · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
This 3 ingredient Italian chicken bake coats juicy chicken breasts in Italian dressing and tops them with Parmesan cheese for a hands-off oven dinner packed with herby savory flavor. Only three ingredients stand between you and a golden perfectly seasoned chicken dinner that practically makes itself.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Italian Chicken Bake recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 40g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup Italian dressing
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and pour the Italian dressing over them, turning to coat all sides. Let the chicken sit in the dressing for 5 minutes while the oven heats.
Step 2: Add Parmesan and Bake
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of each Italian dressing-coated chicken breast. The cheese will form a golden crust as it bakes. Place the baking dish in the preheated 425 degree oven.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Cooked
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the Parmesan crust is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices inside.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Italian dressing → Caesar dressing for a creamy and equally delicious variation on this easy chicken bake
- Parmesan cheese → Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a bolder and more pungent cheesy crust
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using chicken breasts of very uneven thickness, which causes thinner parts to dry out before thicker parts are fully cooked through
- Covering the baking dish with foil, which steams the chicken and prevents the Parmesan from forming a desirable golden crust
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 40g protein, 4g carbs, 15g fat, 0g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →