Name: 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian dressing mix

Jump to Recipe

If you’re after a simple yet show-stopping chicken recipe that tastes like it took hours to prepare, look no further than this 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, coating tender chicken breasts in a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. With just brown sugar, Italian dressing mix, and chicken on hand, you’re moments away from a dinner your whole family will adore. Trust me, this recipe quickly became one of my go-to weeknight treasures because it’s so straightforward and utterly delicious.

3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to the 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken, the magic really lies in keeping things simple but impactful. Each ingredient plays a vital role in flavor and texture, making this dish a breeze to whip up without compromising taste.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide a juicy, tender canvas that soaks up the sweet and tangy coating perfectly.
Brown sugar: Adds richness and a deep caramel sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory seasonings.
Italian dressing mix: Delivers a perfectly balanced blend of herbs and spices that elevate the flavor without any extra effort.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, set your oven to 425ºF. Using a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with aluminum foil makes cleanup a snap and helps with even cooking. This sets the stage for that beautiful caramelized finish.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Combine the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix in a bowl, mixing until you have an even blend. Coat both sides of your chicken breasts thoroughly with this mixture—this step is where the magic starts as the flavors settle into the meat. Place the coated chicken in your prepared pan and sprinkle any leftover mixture right on top for extra flavor.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop the chicken into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the brown sugar melts and seeps into the chicken, keeping it moist while building layers of flavor you won’t forget.

Step 4: Broil for Caramelized Goodness

Once baked, switch your oven to the broil setting on HIGH. Broil the chicken for just 1 to 2 minutes, keeping a close eye so the brown sugar caramelizes to a gorgeous golden brown without burning. This final touch adds that irresistible, glossy finish.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped basil really livens up the dish with a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness perfectly. A lemon wedge on the side also offers a bright contrast for those who love a little zest.

Side Dishes

This 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to keep things light. Mashed potatoes or fluffy rice also soak up the luscious sauce beautifully, rounding out an all-time classic meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try shredding the cooked chicken to pile onto warm ciabatta rolls for quick sandwiches. You could also dice the chicken and toss it into pasta or a grain bowl to stretch the meal further while maintaining those irresistible flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and sometimes taste even better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or zipped bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, or microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth helps keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking, chicken thighs can also be delicious. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer.

Is it possible to make this recipe without Italian dressing mix?

You can substitute by using a mix of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder. However, the pre-made dressing mix has a special blend that perfectly complements the brown sugar sweetness.

Can I grill this chicken instead of baking?

Yes, grilling can add a fantastic smoky flavor. Coat the chicken as directed, then grill over medium heat, watching carefully so the sugar glaze doesn’t burn.

What’s the best way to prevent the sugar from burning during broiling?

Keep a close eye on the chicken during broiling and broil only for 1 to 2 minutes. If your broiler runs hot, move the pan to a lower rack or broil for less time to avoid burning.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Check your Italian dressing mix ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. If not, you can replace it with gluten-free Italian seasonings or herb blends to keep things safe and tasty.

Final Thoughts

This 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken is a true gem—simple, fast, and bursting with flavor. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep tucked away for busy nights or when you want to impress without a fuss. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!

3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This simple and delicious 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken recipe combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the savory flavors of Italian dressing mix for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights, this baked chicken dish requires minimal prep and packs a flavorful punch with a perfectly caramelized finish under the broiler.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning Mix

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian dressing mix

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
Prepare Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and the Italian dressing mix. Coat both sides of the chicken breasts thoroughly with this mixture, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor. Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking pan and sprinkle any leftover seasoning mixture over the top.
Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
Caramelize: Switch your oven to the broil setting on high. Broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes to caramelize the brown sugar topping. Watch very carefully to avoid burning, as the sugar can brown quickly.

Notes

Adjust baking time depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts to ensure they are fully cooked.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix for 30 minutes before baking.
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
Make sure to watch the chicken closely during broiling to prevent the sugar from burning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Broiling
Cuisine: Italian-American