There are plenty of fancy recipes out there, but when it’s 5 p.m. and everyone’s hungry, I want something that’s quick, delicious, and doesn’t leave my kitchen looking like a disaster zone. That’s why this 5-ingredient chicken dinner has become my weeknight lifesaver. I’ve made it so many times I could probably do it in my sleep—and honestly, my family never gets tired of it.
The Magic Combo
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup of your favorite Italian dressing (yep, straight from the bottle)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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A sprinkle of garlic powder
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A handful of cherry tomatoes or spinach (whichever I have on hand)
That’s it. No weird ingredients, no long prep time, no stress.
How I Make It
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Marinate the chicken in the Italian dressing for at least 20 minutes (or overnight if I’m feeling organized).
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Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the chicken in a baking dish.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan and garlic powder. I never measure—I just go until it looks right.
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Add tomatoes or spinach around the chicken for an instant side.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is juicy and golden.
It’s that simple. The dressing caramelizes on the chicken, the cheese adds a salty crust, and the veggies soak up all that flavor. I usually serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even just a slice of buttered bread when I’m in a hurry.
Why I Keep Making It
It’s fast, foolproof, and tastes like something from an actual restaurant (without the effort). The chicken comes out tender every time, and cleanup is minimal—just one dish. Plus, it’s easy to switch up depending on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I toss in mushrooms, swap the dressing for balsamic, or use thighs instead of breasts. It always works.
It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got dinner handled—even on the nights when everything else feels chaotic.
The Secret to Weeknight Sanity
I’ve tried meal prepping, freezer cooking, and all those “30-minute dinners,” but this recipe wins every single time because it’s easy to remember and impossible to mess up. It’s the one thing I make without checking a recipe card or measuring spoon.
So if you need a go-to dinner that feels homey, tastes amazing, and doesn’t require a culinary degree, this is it. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s been on repeat in my kitchen for years.
