3-Ingredient Italian Chicken

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Want a tasty chicken dinner without much fuss? This 3-Ingredient Italian Chicken recipe is your answer. You only need chicken, brown sugar, and Italian dressing mix to make this yummy meal. It’s quick to prep and cooks in about an hour.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken comes out tender and full of flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how good it tastes. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty 3-Ingredient Italian Chicken:

• 3-4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix

That’s it! Just three simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.

The chicken provides lean protein. Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps create a delicious glaze. The Italian dressing mix brings all the herbs and spices you need for flavor.

You can use chicken breasts or thighs – pick your favorite. If you like dark meat, go for thighs. If you prefer white meat, use breasts.

Make sure to get boneless, skinless chicken. This saves you prep time and allows the flavors to really soak in.

Instructions

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken.

Mix the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix in a small bowl. This creates a tasty coating for your chicken.

Roll each piece of chicken in the sugar mixture. Make sure it’s well-coated on all sides.

Put the coated chicken in a 13×9-inch baking pan. Spread them out so they’re not touching.

If you have any leftover sugar mix, sprinkle it over the chicken. This adds extra flavor.

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. During cooking, spoon the juices over the chicken a few times.

Your chicken is done when it’s no longer pink inside. The sugar coating will be golden and delicious.

Serve hot and enjoy your easy, flavorful Italian chicken!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these easy swaps and tweaks:

Protein:

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat
• Swap in pork chops or turkey cutlets

Sweetener:

• Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup
• Use a sugar substitute for a lower-carb option

Seasoning:

• Try ranch or onion soup mix instead of Italian dressing mix
• Add garlic powder, dried herbs, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor

Cooking method:

• Grill the chicken instead of baking for a smoky taste
• Use a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours for tender, fall-apart meat

You can also add veggies like bell peppers or onions to the pan for a complete meal. For a creamy version, top the chicken with cream cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Remember to adjust cooking times as needed when making substitutions. Have fun experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to the sugar mixture. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.

To make cleanup easier, line your baking pan with foil before adding the chicken. This will catch any sticky juices and save you scrubbing time later.

Don’t skip the basting step! It helps keep the chicken moist and creates a delicious glaze on top.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

For meal prep, you can mix the sugar and dressing mix ahead of time. Store it in a sealed bag or container until you’re ready to cook.

To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool completely. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Remember to thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. This ensures even warming and helps maintain the texture.