3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Discover how simple and delicious weeknight dinners can be with this 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that come together quickly, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian Dressing Mix
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425ºF and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix. Coat both sides of each chicken breast evenly with the brown sugar mixture. Place the chicken in the prepared baking pan and sprinkle any remaining mixture on top.
- Step 3: Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked through and juicy.
- Step 4: Switch your oven broiler on to HIGH. Broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely so the brown sugar caramelizes without burning.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix for 30 minutes before baking.
- Swap the Italian dressing mix for your favorite dry ranch or taco seasoning to change up the taste.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken tender and preserve the caramelized topping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well with this recipe. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook the coated chicken breasts in a preheated air fryer at 400ºF for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, then broil or air crisp for a minute to caramelize the sugar.
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3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
This simple yet flavorful 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the tangy zest of Italian dressing mix to create a quick and delicious baked chicken dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort while delivering a caramelized, tender chicken dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian dressing mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix. Coat both sides of each chicken breast evenly with this brown sugar mixture. Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar mixture over the top of the chicken.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Caramelize Topping: Turn the oven broiler to HIGH. Broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to allow the brown sugar topping to caramelize and brown slightly without burning.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for safe consumption.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or black pepper to the brown sugar mixture.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Be cautious when broiling as sugar can burn quickly; stay attentive during this step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, Italian chicken recipe, simple chicken dinner, baked chicken breasts, caramelized chicken
