Are you tired of bland, dry chicken that leaves you disappointed at the dinner table? Get ready to transform your weeknight meals with this mouthwatering Baked Italian Dressing Chicken Breasts recipe that will have your family begging for seconds! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's so easy, even novice cooks can master it. The secret? A tantalizing Italian dressing marinade that infuses every bite with incredible flavor and keeps the chicken impossibly tender.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken breasts cook evenly and thoroughly.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Italian dressing, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Take the 4 chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the dressing adhere better and promote even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Pour the Italian dressing mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. You can use a brush or spoon to spread the mixture if necessary.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help retain moisture while the chicken bakes.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes covered with foil.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the chicken to brown slightly and the cheese to melt.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 165°F (75°C) to be considered safe to eat.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help retain the juices.
- Serve the baked Italian dressing chicken breasts with your choice of side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or a fresh salad, and enjoy!
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to help the marinade stick better and promote beautiful browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
- For extra flavor, try using a high-quality, zesty Italian dressing with herbs and spices.
- If you want a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness.
- For a low-carb option, serve with roasted vegetables instead of pasta or rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 231kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 125mg
