3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken – brown sugar, Italian dressing mix and chicken. Ready in under 30 minutes! Everyone loved this dish! I loved that there was no prep work! Such an easy weeknight meal that the whole family enjoyed!
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Pin This Recipe3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken
This baked chicken only has 3 ingredients – including the chicken! Plus, there is no prep work involved. Woohoo! Just coat the chicken in brown sugar and Italian dressing mix then throw in the oven. That’s it! SO easy!
Not only is this chicken a snap to make, it tastes great! We both gobbled this chicken up! Sweet and savory in every bite! We served this with some Parmesan Rice Grits and Green Beans. YUM! I can’t wait to make this again!!
I highly suggest lining your pan with foil. The brown sugar mixture gets sticky as it bakes. After dinner, throw away the foil and the dishes are done! Easy prep and easy clean up.. It just doesn’t get any better!
3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Italian Chicken
Equipment:
Ingredients:
- 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 (0.7-oz) packet Italian Dressing Mix
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Combine the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix. Coat both sides of the chicken with the brown sugar mixture. Place in prepared pan. Top chicken with any remaining brown sugar mixture.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Turn broiler on HIGH. Broil chicken until brown sugar caramelizes, about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
Notes:
I used a packet of Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix.
Do NOT make the dressing. You are only going to use the contents of the packet in the recipe.Steph
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This was DELICIOUS! I never comment on recipes, but I had to for this one! I’m starting a diet in next week, what is the nutritional info on this chicken? I wasn’t able to locate it!
Here is a website you can use to estimate calories: https://whisk.com/recipe-nutrition-calculator
Can any of you recipies be cooked in an air fryer?
Thanks
You can cook almost anything in an air fryer. An air fryer is just a convection toaster oven.
Here is our post on air fryer tips and how to convert recipes: https://www.plainchicken.com/our-favorite-air-fryer-recipes-tips/
I swear, you have the best recipes! This is definitely another keeper!! It was so tender and flavorful that I was licking my fork. I followed your preparation directions exactly. I used skinless boneless chicken thighs. I left the little bits of fat on for extra flavor. I baked them at 425 for 12 minutes and flipped them over and baked an additional 8 minutes…perfect! I’m embarrassed to say that I missed the broiling step, but it was still delicious. Served with buttery mashed potatoes, corn and spinach.
I forgot to add that I marinated them in Walmart brand garlic and herb marinade overnight. Rinsed off the marinade and followed your preparation directions exactly.
Just finished in the oven! Great flavor, lots of juices and amazing crispness under the broiler. I didn’t have dressing mix so looked up one and it turned out fine, even without the dried basil which I didn’t have. Served with little potatoes and it was a hit!
Can you make this in a slow cooker
I haven’t made this in the slow cooker but I am sure you can. It probably won’t get the color that you see in the photos. The color comes from broiling the chicken in the oven.
Can you use this for shrimp too? Same temp but shorter cooking time?
You can try it
Could you use boneless skinless chicken thighs along with breast?
I only like breast meat but my people only eat thighs. Just wondering if anyone has done both.
Thanks!
You can. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Excellent!!! Can’t wait to have it again! I agree with the comments that said add a pat of butter on top of the chicken! And the lady who said they make extra brown sugar mix to put on top!
Wow!
I followed the recipe except I added a pat of butter on top of each breast and then baked 350/30 minutes. Turned out amazing, the butter made a great sticky sauce that I drizzled on top of the chicken for serving. Highly recommend!
We don’t have any Italian dressing mix of packets, I have Italian dressing though for like salads I was told that would be fine to. That will work fine won’t it
This recipe is for dried Italian dressing mix, not bottled dressing.
I would love to make this for my three children that are extremely picky eaters! So, I don’t add any liquid at all to this recipe? Just the italian dressing packet and brown sugar? Thank you for your help!
yes
Has anyone ever tried this in the air fryer?? I make this in the oven all the time. I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
OMG!!! Made this tonight and it was a hit. So delicious. Well definitely make it again.
My husband and I made the brown sugar chicken a week ago so fabulous -having company soon -plan to make this dish-thanks so much for this recipe
I would also like to comment on your really cool Meow Monday pics – I love them – About three years ago we rescued our two Ginger cats from a cardboard box in the desert -we live in Arizona -Lake Havasu-so it was just starting to get hot – these two are inseparable -as sisters – when we found them they barely had any hair -so skinny – and so so sick It took 6 months of vet visits every week -lots of love – and money to bring them to their happy healthy adorable selves they are today – They have a lot of brothers and sisters to play with -so I know they are very happy in their home-their nicknames are lovebugs and do they live up to that -just wanted to share this with you -I relate so much to your pics because of these two -they are never apart -sleep together -eat together -walk each other to the litter box -just plain funny most of the time -but I have to say best cats I have ever owned in my life and I would do it all over again just to have these two in my life-so keep up the pics and your recipes -Thanks Carol
Aussie chick here – was soooo excited to see this recipe until i read “Italian dressing mix” – I have never seen that here in Australia. Anyone know what I could use as a substitute or can send me the ingredients in the packet mix so I can make it up myself. This looks incredible!
Hi Lisa, I went on Google and found recipes for dry Italian Dressing Mix to make at home, ingredients are pretty standard in a pantry. Good Luck!
Surprise dinner tonight, we have light & dark brown sugars. Which would be the better way to go? Thanks Jerry.
I used light brown sugar, but you can use dark if you prefer
No replies yet to air fryer questions except using baking dish? Why is that? Because it’s messy? What about parchment paper on the bottom?
Make it however you want.
Could you throw all this in a crock
Pot!
Sounds wonderful. I just bought a 5# bag of breasts and this will be the first thing out of the bag I am going to try. I know I am going to love it and so will the boys.
I’m making this for dinner and haven’t made it before. For those of you who have made it, do you think it would be good with red pepper flakes for a kick of heat?
If you like a kick of heat, then go for it.
I have been making this for years and always add red pepper flakes. Because of the brown sugar, I add 1/4 teaspoon. I also use Italian seasoning mix because I always have that, and never the dressing mix and because of that also add a small amount of salt, like a few shakes. We really love it this way!
If I use chicken tenderloins would you bake it for the same amount of time?
Tenderloins don’t take as long to cook as breasts.
What is a broiler? Can just turn the heat up in oven for a couple of minutes. I am not a very good cook, so if question raises eyebrows, so be it
The broiler is when the oven only uses the top heating element to add direct heat to the food. Broiling places food close to your oven’s heating element so that it can quickly cook, brown, or caramelize. In this recipe, you are using the broiler to carmelize the brown sugar on the chicken to give it a nice color.Y You can absolutely skip that step if you prefer. The chicken will be cooked, but you might not have the same color as in the pictures.
Can you make this in a crockpot?
Can you use thighs? Would it change the cook time. I’ve made this several times and love it, but I only have boneless skinless thighs tonight!
Thanks!
You can use any cut of chicken you prefer. You will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure an internal temperature of 165ºF.
I have made this several times, easy and yummy everytime.
SO glad you enjoyed it, Catherine!
Love this! Do you have to cover with foil when baking?
I do not cover it when baking
Can you do this on stove top
Can I use chicken thighs on this
Yes
Great recipe! my whole family lived it, including all the grandkids! They want me to make it again next week.
I just made it!!! The chicken was very moist, however the sauce stuck to the foil and not the chicken….I coated the breast with the brown sugar 1/2 cup and 1 packet of Good
Season Italian dressing (dry) I mixed the sugar and the packet of dressing together, then coated the chicken with it….what did I do wrong??
I spray the foil with non stick spray. That usually helps
Did you pat your chicken dry? That might help the mixture adhere to the chicken. I am just guessing.
I didn’t
What other sides goes best with this dish?
I would suggest some sautéed green beans amandine, and maybe some garlic/herb cous cous or parmesan cous cous. A good sun dried tomato risotto would be a great accompaniment to it as well.
A nice tossed green salad! Hope some of these suggestions help.
Could I use this on bone-in chicken thighs,if so how long should I cook it & do I leave it on the same temperature.
This is my go to recipe for a fantastic simple meal!!!! I have it in the oven right now! However tonight I am baking Pork loin boneless steaks….have used pork many times! These pork loins are about 1 inch thick and I am baking them at 425 for 40 minutes….LOVE this simple, super easy recipe!!!
I have 4 bone in chicken thighs ( fairly good size) do I need to adjust the amounts of the Italian dressing and brown sugar. What about bake time ??
Would it work in a air fryer
I’m sure it would be fine in a baking dish in the air fryer.
I am about to try this and had questions?
Can I use chicken tenderloins? I also wondered if it would work on top of the stove versus in the oven?
Thank you so much!!
Our family of 6 absolutely LOOOVVVEEEDDDD this!! We had it with broccoli Velveeta cheese and rice, on the side!! Every single one of our EXTREMELY picky kiddos LOVED the chicken, and ate it all!! 2 out of 2 kids didnt like the side but they asked for the left over chicken to be sent to school with them tomorrow!!
Thank you for sharing!!!!!!
This recipe is a hit with my family. I have prepared it twice in the last week. The first time I used the italian dressing mix and it was wonderful. Last night I made it with Webers Kickn’ Chicken seasoning, I was out of italian dressing. The Webers gave it just a bite of spiciness. Another hit with the family. this recipe is so very easy and quick. The glaze keeps the chicken tender and moist. A definite addition to our regular menu.
Super Tasty! Super Easy! I must admit that I had to use bone-in pork chops because I was out of chicken, but it was great! Try it!
I have 3 boys and I made this a few years ago. It was such a hit! Every year for my son’s birthday dinners, they ask for this. It’s now called “birthday chicken” at my house.
Delicious!! Turned out perfect, I cut the breasts in half because they were very large. Add a bag of baby carrots scattered around the chicken for a delicious glazed vegetable treat!!
So glad it was a hit!
I have good season zesty itailan packet ? Do you think that will work?
That will work great!
I made this tonight for the family sadly I made the dressing and then realized I wasn’t suppose to but it still turned out great we still liked it I’m going to have to do it again the right way next time 🙂
Had anyone done this recipe in an airfryer?
Yes, I have a oven type fryer. I lined my basket with foil and cooked as per receipe. I always use my thermometer. The red sauce is absolutely delicious on rice. P.S. I put in 1/4 teas. Of red pepper flakes. So moist and juicy.
Absolutely delicious!!
Will make again. Gonna try using chicken thighs
Im just curious if anyone has the same problem I do…when i make this it bubbles up as if in a foam its hard to keep sugar from burning as its cooking. Its very good but was just wondering if anyone had the same problem??
Maybe try cooking the chicken on a lower rack in the oven or turn down the temperature by 25ºF. Maybe your oven cooks a little hotter.
could you do this on blackstone?
So easy & delicious!! 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect weeknight meal!
This was easy and delicious , even my pickiest eater loved this dish!
IF you don’t have a broiler can you bake loner in the oven?
I used this on shrimp and it was amazing
Fixed this for lunch yesterday. Soooo yummy!
Of course, mine looked NOTHING like your picture and the brown sugar kept clumping as I’d add another piece of chicken. Any tips for remedying this issue with the sugar? It would be nice if they would coat evenly.
Thank you!
Maybe whisk it in between pieces to get rid of the clumps.
Add a pat or two of butter on top of the chicken to create its own glaze type sauce.
My Hubby was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. I made this with the Swerve Brown Sugar and homemade Italian dressing seasoning. I paired it with Cauliflower-Sweet potato rice with butter and curry powder and also some Butter beans. Both of us were really impressed with how good this was! He actually cheated a little and took a piece of bread (low carb of course) to dip in the sauce! Huge win for dinner tonight! Thank You!! So easy and so good!!
P.S .
I never leave reviews, but this was sooooo good, I had to.
I’m so glad to hear this works with Swerve brown sugar!!
How much brown sugar did u use since you substituted?
I used Splenda brown sugar instead of regular, and used the same amount the recipe calls for. Turned out great!
This is simply a family favorite. Who would ever think something so simple taste so good.
I saw the crockpot question above and was wondering the same thing. Has anyone tried making it in the crockpot and how did it turn out?
I made it tonight in the crock pot with a few changes. The chicken breast was frozen so put that in the crock pot with about 1/2 C water, the Italian dressing and brown sugar. Cooked it on high for about 4 hours, shredded the chicken. Since I wanted more of a sauce, I put the liquid in a pot and added a slurry of 1 tablespoon of corn starch and 1 tablespoon of water and brought it to a boil until it thickened. Served it over noodles. The family loved it and said it is definitely a keeper!
will this work if you cut breast I to strips or chunks?
I’m sure it would be fine
This was fabulous!! Tasted like those sweet bourbon sauces the restaurants put on chicken. Can’t wait to make it again. The extra sauce in the bottom of the baking dish was great to dip tator tots in. It’s good enough for company!
Is this dark or light brown sugar?
Either is fine. I used light brown sugar.
This was such a good and simple recipe! I am so tired of cooking with the current situation and I have run out of things to cook. We are tired of everything. This was not only very tasty but also very low maintenance cooking and cleaning wise. I feel like all I do is cook and clean the kitchen with the whole stay at home period of time. Highly, highly recommend this recipe! Family loved it!
Made this tonight, and my kids complimented it! They are every bit, and I’m a horrible cook so that says a lot! I need to find more just like this!
Do you turn chicken before you broil itcarl
You can if you would like. I didn’t turn the chicken.
I love the flavor of this. In fact I love it so much that I made baked Salmon with it…… OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!! I will never bake salmon any other way… Salmon fillets [4] at 400 degrees for 15 minutes…. Thank you!!!! The chicken and chops is good as well.
Sounds amazing!
Can I do this in a air fryer?
Can I do this in a pressure cooker ????
I'm usually not a fan of chicken breast because it's often dry but this is one of our favorite meals. It's super easy and delicious! We usually make extra brown sugar and dressing mix to throw on top of the chicken because the sauce it makes while it's cooking is wonderful over rice. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Can I use Italian seasoning instead of Italian dressing mix? If so how much would I use?
What if I don't have a broiler?
Do you think you could do this recipe in a dutch oven when camping using hot coals to cook it?
I'm sure that would work. I have no idea on the cooking time. You will have to experiment with the time.
Can you marinate this for a bit prior to cooking?
should be fine
Can you do this recipe in an air fryer?
I love this recipe!!! Unfortunately, I have family members who are getting tired of eating chicken (which is one of the main proteins I cook)…. so I am thinking of making this with pork chops for a change. 🙂
Does dressing mix have a bit of salty taste or do I need to add my own salt?
I didn't think it needed any salt, but everyone's preference is different. Maybe make it and add more salt after baking if you prefer.
Have you tried this with a Ranch dry seasoning Packet?
I haven’t but it sounds pretty good
can i use italian dressing in a bottle to mix with the brown sugar?
You can try it.
can i mix the brown sugar with bottled italian dressing?
can you make this on the grill
really sounds good. Can you do this on the grill??
This was excellent! We all feel it is the best chicken we ever tasted! Thank You
Have you ever marinated the chicken prior to putting in oven?
Every time I make this the sauce thats creates from the brown sugar starts to burn. I love how it tastes but hate having the smell of something burning throughout my house. Tips?
Maybe cover it the last few minutes of cooking or lower the temperature slightly. All ovens are different- your oven could be running hotter than mine. Hope this helps!
I made this tdy quick & easy. But I though the sugar mix wud stick to chicken & sort of brown it a little. Will make it again. Thanks for sharing.
Could I make this using thighs or drumsticks?
Sure. You will just need to adjust the cooking time
Would this work in the crock pot?
it's an oven recipe; cook it in the oven. If you prefer soggy slow cooker meat and you have time to wait, shove it in a slow cooker pot.
LOVE your response
Can I make this with honey instead of brown sugar?
I've never tried this with honey, so I don't know how it will taste.
Yes you could use honey. You could even use baking soda, but it will taste awful.
How do you think it will taste with only Brown sugar, I don't have any dressing at home lol
How do you think it will taste with only Brown sugar, I don't have any dressing at home lol
Maybe add some of your favorite seasonings to the brown sugar
This was delicious! Will definitely fix it again. Lots of liquid to serve over ride. Mine didn't look red like in the photo, but didn't affect taste. I used chick thighs. So easy. Might use less brown sugar next time.
Have you tried this with thighs?
Can you also make this on top of the stove? Like just the chicken?
Not sure if you'll see this with in the next few hours, lol, but I am planning on fixing this tonight and was curious what sides you pair w/ it, or what would you recommend? If you've already told or answered this question, I appologize, I must have missed it.
Thank you!
Felicia.
We usually do green beans or Lima beans and potato casserole.
Where can you find the dry Italian mix?
It will be next to th dry Ranch mix in the salad dressing isle. I buy Good Seasonings brand.
THANKS!!!
Already cooked these before cooking tonight also!!
Seems as if there is liquid in it ?
No. Only the ingredients listed. Dry mix, brown sugar & chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes
Does the italian mix need to be prepared (with the oil, water, etc) then mixed with the brown sugar?
no – just use the mix
Can this be done in a crockpot?
Can this be cooked in a crockpot?
Do you make Italian dressing mix accordingly as it says behind the pouch and the add that and brown sugar??? Or do you add brown sugar and Italian mix powder together
don't make the dressing. Just mix the brown sugar and dry mix together.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Or do I need to defrost it first?
I would thaw them first. Enjoy!
love your site!
Do you need to put the chicken in the broiler? If not, how long would you cook the chicken in the oven?
Would love to try these ..
Just wondering… does it matter if it’s light brown sugar or dark ??
Whatever you prefer is fine.
Can I use the Italian seasoning that’s not in a pack??
It won’t be the same recipe. You don’t make the dressing. This recipe only coats the chicken in seasonings. There is no liquid in it.
Can you substitute dressing for the dressing mix?
This is made to use only the dry Italian dressing mix. NOT liquid bottled dressing.
I make it using Swerve brown sugar substitute and it’s just as yummy as regular brown sugar. So I don’t think dark or light would matter.
I’m doing that right now! Can’t wait to try it. I also mixed sweet potatoes with it. Crossing my fingers it turns out good. 😃
Can you make this in the crock pot?
Can you use frozen chicken??
I haven’t made this with frozen chicken. I am sure you can. You will need to cook it longer. The sauce may not look exactly like the picture because of the extra moisture coming off the chicken.
There’s no wet ingredients? The picture looks like there’s some wetness.
There is no liquid in the recipe. The chicken releases liquid as it cooks.
Do you have to use chicken breast?
You can use any type of chicken you prefer. You will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Could this be made in the crockpot?
Do you cover it while cooking it.
I did not cover it
Broiler works like a flash oven without over cooking the chicken. If you waited for it to caramelize at 425 the chicken would over cook.
I made this tonight for my family and it was a hit!! Thank you so much for sharing it. I will definitely be making it again especially on the days that I forget about supper since it only took 30min total.
Hi I have a quick question, I am in the process of cooking this but I am confused. It looks like the chicken is in a sauce in the picture, are we supposed to add some type of liquid?
No sauce. As the chicken cooks, it makes its own sauce with the brown sugar and dressing.
What was your side dish with this?
Rice pastA potatoes?
Any of those work great. We also like green beans.
What is the calorie, nutrition information, I’ve asked before, no answer.. Thanks
Here is a good website to estimate nutritional information: https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
This comment has been removed by the author.
Do you have to make the Italian dressing mix
NO. Only use the dry mix.
Made this last night. It was a hit. It was quick and easy to pull together. I definitely will be making this again.
I don’t have the season mix , but i do have the dressing. Can i use that ? Or no completely different.
No. This recipe only uses dry ingredients.
Could you use italian dressing instead of the Italian packet?
I’m sure you can but it won’t look or taste like this recipe.
I have 2 chicken breast about .7lb each can I follow the same recipe and time??
Yes – enjoy!
Could u do it in the crockpot?
sure
Should I leave them whole or should I split them and make 4 breast, and also I have light brown sugar is that the same? Sorry new to this and I have a very picky eater on mybhands
I made this recipe last week and give it 5 stars. It came out picture perfect as well as moist and tender. I went out and got the dry mix and will do it again this week. it was so easy.
I dont think dry Italian mix is available in Australia..
You can make your own "Italian dressing mix". Google it, read what is in a package & put together your own spices. Use what you like & skip the rest. Have fun with it. Cooking should be fun & yummy.
No worries, make your own mix of dry spices. Those packages are over rated & expensive. Google the ingredients & use as a guide, but leave out the stuff you don't care for & add what you love. Cooking should be fun & yummy.
I have made it with turkey wings
Is this dry packet or the dressing?
It is the dry packet – just use the dry ingredients. Don't make the dressing.
What exactly is the Italian dressing mix?
do you think could you grill these
do you think could you grill these
I don't think so. The brown sugar melts and that mixes with the Italian dressing mix. I don't think the sugar would stay on the chicken while flipping it around on the grill. We have lots of great grilling recipes on the blog though – https://www.plainchicken.com/search/label/grilling
i think if you wrapped it up in the foil and put it on the grill to cook, that would work.
I am new to cooking. How long on 425. Do you cover it up while its in the oven.
you don't cover the chicken while it bakes.
I am new to cooking. So do you cover up the chicken while its cooking in the oven. How long on 425.
I have Italian dressing but not the mix. Wonder how that would turn out….
It would taste great, I make chicken and rice with just chicken, Italian dressing and rice.
I am going to try this tonight! Thanks for the recipe!
Made this tonight. So simple, so good. Will be making again and again.