Creamy Garlic Italian Chicken – Easy 30-Minute Dinner Recipe!

Table of Contents: Italian Chicken

Italian Chicken

A wholesome, vibrant sheet pan dinner that brings the sunny flavors of Italy to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

If your weeknight dinner routine needs a hero—a meal that’s reliably delicious, nourishing, and easy to clean up—you’ve just found it. This Classic Italian Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s your new secret weapon for busy days. Imagine tender chicken and summer’s best vegetables, all roasted together on a single pan and brought to life with a zesty balsamic and herb marinade. It’s the kind of easy Italian chicken dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for a casual family supper, a healthy meal prep solution, or even a stress-free dinner with friends.

The beauty of this dish lies in its harmony and simplicity. Lean protein, colorful vegetables, and a bold, homemade marinade come together to create a meal that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s a versatile canvas, ready to adapt to the seasons and the contents of your fridge. Best of all, it embodies that cherished Italian cooking philosophy: a few high-quality ingredients, treated with respect, can create something truly special. Let’s bring that philosophy to your kitchen.

What’s in a Name? Variations You Might Know

You may find similar recipes under different names, but the soul of the dish remains the same. Whether you search for a Classic Italian chicken bake, an easy Italian chicken dish, or simply chicken with Italian herbs, you’re looking for that perfect combination of savory, herby flavors and simple, satisfying cooking. This recipe is closely related to sheet pan Italian chicken dinners and can be a foundation for countless variations, from creamy Tuscan-inspired skillets to herb-crusted baked chicken.

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Ingredients for Classic Italian Chicken

Using fresh, good-quality ingredients makes all the difference in this simple dish. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant meal for four.

• The Chicken:
  • 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• The Zesty Italian Marinade:
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• The Rainbow of Vegetables:
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, left whole
  • 1 medium zucchini or yellow summer squash, cut into ¾-inch dice
  • 2 cups green beans (about 6 ounces), ends trimmed
• The Flavorful Finishes:
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful dinner.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures quick, even cooking. Sprinkle both sides with ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt.
2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
3. Marinate: Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour in half of the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and place it in the refrigerator. Place the prepared vegetables (cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, and green beans) in a separate bag or dish and pour the remaining marinade over them. Toss to coat. Let both marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for deeper flavor, up to 8 hours in the fridge.
4. Prep and Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated vegetables around the edges of the pan and place the chicken breasts in the center in a single layer. Drizzle any remaining marinade from the vegetable dish over the top.
5. Roast to Perfection: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. The vegetables should be tender and lightly caramelized.
6. Serve: Immediately after removing the pan from the oven, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the chicken and vegetables. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese. Serve hot directly from the pan.

Chef’s Tip: For the best texture and flavor, let the marinated chicken and veggies sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while your oven preheats. This promotes more even roasting.

Recipe Card: Quick Reference

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Marinate Time: 30 minutes (minimum) | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 4 | Approximate Calories: ~350 per serving

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Classic Italian Chicken succeeds because it balances simplicity with robust flavor. The marinade, with its tangy balsamic and fragrant herbs, penetrates the chicken and vegetables, so every bite is infused with taste. Using a single sheet pan means the ingredients roast together, allowing their juices to mingle, and best of all, cleanup is a breeze.

• The Power of the Pound: Don’t skip pounding the chicken! Creating an even thickness is the single best way to prevent dry, overcooked edges and a raw center. It guarantees juicy results every time.
• Freshly Grated is Best: For the Parmesan, take a moment to grate it fresh from a block. It melts better and has a far superior, nuttier flavor compared to pre-grated cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
• Customize Your Veggies: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Swap in seasonal vegetables like sliced bell peppers, asparagus, or red onion. For harder veggies like potatoes or carrots, cut them small or give them a 10-minute head start in the oven before adding the other ingredients.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

• To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To Freeze: For best quality, freeze cooked and cooled chicken and vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To Reheat Gently: For the best texture, reheat the vegetables on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warm. Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave at a reduced power, to prevent it from drying out.

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People Also Ask: Classic Italian Chicken

How do you make Italian chicken?

The foundation of a great Italian chicken dish is layering flavors. For this recipe, you create a vibrant marinade with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian herbs. The chicken and vegetables soak in this marinade before being roasted together on a single sheet pan. This method infuses deep flavor into every component and makes the cooking process incredibly simple and cleanup effortless.

What are common seasonings for Italian chicken?

Chicken with Italian herbs typically features a blend of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram—often sold pre-mixed as “Italian seasoning.” Garlic, in powder or fresh minced form, is essential. Seasonings are often balanced with the brightness of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar and the rich, salty punch of grated Parmesan cheese.

Can you bake or pan-fry Italian chicken?

Absolutely! Baking, as in this sheet-pan recipe, is excellent for a hands-off, complete meal. Pan-frying or skillet-cooking is perfect for achieving a golden, crispy crust on herb-coated or Parmesan-crusted chicken, often finishing in the oven for even cooking. Both methods yield delicious results; the choice depends on your texture preference and how many dishes you want to wash.

What side dishes go well with Italian chicken?

This sheet pan meal is a complete dinner on its own. If you’d like to extend it, simple sides that complement the Italian flavors are ideal. Serve with crusty bread to mop up juices, a light arugula salad, creamy polenta, or a bowl of pasta like orzo or fettuccine. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or a simple steamed green vegetable are perfect choices.

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Conclusion: Classic Italian Chicken

This Classic Italian Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a promise of a delicious, stress-free dinner that brings everyone to the table. It proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or a sink full of dishes to create something truly wonderful. The vibrant colors, the aroma of roasting herbs and vegetables, and the tender, flavorful chicken are a celebration of simple, good food.

I hope this recipe becomes a cherished staple in your home, as it is in mine. Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to make it your own with your favorite seasonal veggies. Share your creations and let me know how it turned out in the comments below—I love hearing from you!

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