Easy Italian Chicken Recipe: Juicy 2-Ingredient Dinner

A simple, flavorful baked chicken dish marinated in zesty Italian dressing—perfect for busy families and weeknight dinners.

By Anjali Sayee

Sep 22, 2025

A simple, flavorful baked chicken dish marinated in zesty Italian dressing—perfect for busy families and weeknight dinners.

Image: HearthJunction Design Team

Easy Italian Chicken II

If you’re searching for a delicious, no-fuss dinner that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, Easy Italian Chicken II is the answer. With just two primary ingredients and a baking method that requires little effort, this dish delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or quick weeknight meals, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and bold taste.

Introduction
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for Success
Recipe Variations
Serving Suggestions
Nutritional Information
FAQs
User Reviews & Feedback
Summary

Introduction

There’s something universally comforting about a home-cooked chicken dinner, especially one that’s as straightforward as Easy Italian Chicken II. With roots in Italian-American home cooking, this recipe brings together tender chicken and the herbaceous zing of store-bought Italian dressing. The result? A juicy, aromatic dish with very little prep time, making it popular among busy cooks and beginners alike.

Ingredients

The beauty of Easy Italian Chicken II is its streamlined ingredient list. You likely already have most of these items in your kitchen:

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing

That’s it! You don’t need a pantry full of spices or fancy kitchen gadgets. Of course, you can scale the recipe up or down to suit your needs, and additional seasonings can be added to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather Your Ingredients
- Make sure your chicken is thawed and your dressing is ready.
Pierce the Chicken
- Use a fork to pierce each chicken breast several times. This step helps the marinade penetrate the meat, delivering more flavor.
Related: Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Supper: A One-Pan Mediterranean Feast
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the Italian-style dressing over the chicken.
- Seal the bag and shake to coat each piece evenly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or for extra flavor, overnight.
Prepare to Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the dish. Discard any leftover marinade.
Bake the Chicken
- Bake for about 1 hour, turning the chicken once or twice.
- The chicken is done when it is cooked through, juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer registers at least 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving for optimal juiciness.

Tips for Success

Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have time, let the chicken marinate overnight. The acids and herbs in the dressing tenderize and flavor the meat more deeply.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure food safety and perfect juiciness, use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each piece of chicken space so it bakes evenly and browns nicely.
Tweak the Dressing: Any Italian-style vinaigrette works. Try zesty, creamy, or fat-free versions based on your preference.
Double the Batch: This recipe is easy to double or triple for meal prep or larger gatherings.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Add Vegetables: Place sliced bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes in the baking dish with the chicken for a one-pan meal.
Cheesy Upgrade: In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil, rosemary, or thyme to the marinade for extra aroma.
Spicy Kick: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or minced garlic into the dressing before marinating.
Grilled Version: Marinate as directed, then grill the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through instead of baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian chicken recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Here are some delicious ideas to round out your meal:

Pasta: Serve over al dente spaghetti, penne, or any favorite pasta with a drizzle of extra marinade (cooked and thickened) or a simple tomato sauce.
Vegetables: Pair with roasted or steamed broccoli, zucchini, or green beans.
Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the dish with fresh crunch.
Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls to soak up the juices.
Rice or Quinoa: For a gluten-free option, serve the chicken over rice pilaf or quinoa for a hearty meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on a 6-serving batch):

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	26 g
Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Carbohydrates	5 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	630 mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the brand of salad dressing and exact portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) internally.

Is it safe to use marinade as a sauce?

Do not use leftover marinade raw due to the risk of contamination. If you want to use the marinade as a sauce, boil it for several minutes to kill any bacteria.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 1 hour for decent flavor, but overnight is best if you want a deeper, tangier taste.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze both the raw chicken in the marinade or the baked chicken for up to three months. Thaw before reheating or cooking.

What Italian dressing is best?

Any favorite bottled Italian-style salad dressing will work, whether zesty, creamy, or light. Homemade vinaigrettes are also excellent choices.

User Reviews & Feedback

“Super simple and absolutely delicious! My whole family loved it, and it’s so easy for busy weeknights.”
— M. Thompson

“I marinate the chicken overnight, and it always comes out juicy and flavorful. Great with pasta and salad!”
— R. Chen

“This recipe is so forgiving and versatile. Sometimes I add veggies right to the pan, and everything cooks together beautifully.”
— L. Rivera

Summary

Easy Italian Chicken II is a tried-and-true recipe that simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. With minimal prep, a short ingredient list, and customizable options, it’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, vegetables, or salad, this dish is sure to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation. Give it a try tonight and experience how easy and delicious home-cooked Italian chicken can be!

References

Author

Anjali Sayee

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee