Easy Brown Sugar Italian Chicken Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!)

If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly dinner that the whole family will love, this Brown Sugar Italian Chicken is about to become a weeknight favorite! With just four pantry staples, this juicy, flavorful chicken recipe is perfect for busy parents who want to get a hearty meal on the table without stress, or a sink full of dishes.

This recipe is a go-to in our house. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor thanks to the perfect combination of Italian dressing and brown sugar. And did I mention it’s baked in one pan? Less cleanup, more family time!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Italian Chicken

✅ Only 4 ingredients

⏱️ 5-minute prep

🧼 One-dish cleanup

🍗 Juicy and tender every time

🧒 Kid-approved

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just trying to use what you already have in the pantry, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

All you need are four simple ingredients to make this delicious chicken dish:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can also use thighs or tenders)

1 packet dry Italian dressing mix (like Good Seasons)

1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark works)

1/4 cup water (optional, for more sauce)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the dish.

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and Italian dressing mix. Add water if you want more sauce.

Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken.

Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the top is nicely caramelized.

Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve hot!

Serve With:

This Brown Sugar Italian Chicken pairs perfectly with:

Mashed potatoes (use the sauce as a gravy!)

Steamed broccoli or green beans

Roasted carrots

Rice or cauliflower rice

Garlic bread or a side salad

You can even shred the leftovers and toss them into a wrap or salad the next day.

Tips and Variations

Slow Cooker Version: Add everything to your Crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Add Veggies: Toss in baby carrots or halved red potatoes to bake right alongside the chicken.

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Use Frozen Chicken: Just increase the bake time by about 10–15 minutes, or thaw before cooking for the best texture.

Is Brown Sugar Italian Chicken Freezer-Friendly?

Yes! You can prep this recipe ahead of time and freeze it as a meal kit. Just place the raw chicken and sauce mixture into a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze flat. When you're ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Why This Recipe Works

This dish works so well because the sugar caramelizes in the oven while the Italian dressing mix adds savory, herby flavor. Together, they create a balanced sweet-and-savory glaze that keeps the chicken moist and tender. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that delivers big flavor with almost no effort.

Make It a Meal Plan Staple

If you love making freezer meals or prepping ahead for busy weeks, this recipe is a keeper. It’s made with ingredients you probably already have, and it’s easy to double or triple. I often prep this on Sundays and pop it in the fridge, then bake it fresh midweek when we’re all tired and need something simple but delicious.

Reader Love 💬

"Made this tonight for my picky eaters and they cleaned their plates. Even my toddler loved it! Total mom win." – Amanda C.

“This was so easy and flavorful! I added potatoes to the pan and they soaked up the sauce. So good!" – Becky T.

More Easy Family-Friendly Chicken Recipes

If you loved this, check out some of our other popular chicken dinners:

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Budget-Friendly Chicken and Rice Bake

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Italian Chicken is one of those magical recipes that feels like a home-cooked hug without the mess or fuss. It’s perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who wants something comforting without spending all day in the kitchen. Give it a try this week, I promise it’ll make your regular dinner rotation!

📌 Don’t Forget to Pin It for Later!

Love this recipe? Save it to your “Easy Weeknight Meals” or “Family Dinner Ideas” board on Pinterest!

Written by Diana Chastain from Nanny to Mommy

Nanny to Mommy