Italian Garlic Butter Chicken Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love meals that come together effortlessly and taste amazing, this Italian Garlic Butter Chicken Bake is for you. The dish uses just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a meal that is full of flavor and comfort. The garlic butter sauce makes everything juicy and flavorful, while the Italian seasoning adds a vibrant touch to the chicken, potatoes, and green beans. The best part? It’s baked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for families or anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine.

Ingredients

• 2-3 chicken breasts, cubed
• 3-5 small to medium potatoes, cut into chunks
• 2 cans of green beans (or 1 ½ cans, depending on preference)
• 1 packet of dry Italian dressing mix
• 1 stick of butter, melted

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a baking dish, place the cubed chicken breasts, cut potatoes, and green beans.
3. Sprinkle the dry Italian dressing mix evenly over the chicken, potatoes, and green beans.
4. Drizzle the melted butter over everything in the pan.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
6. After baking, remove the foil and check if the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. If not, bake for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Variations

•  use other meats: Swap the chicken for boneless pork chops or even fish fillets if preferred.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the butter or Italian seasoning mix for an extra burst of heat.
• Herb alternatives: If you don’t have Italian dressing mix, use a combination of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder to create your own seasoning blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything the night before, cover the pan, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

3. Can I use a different type of potatoes?

Absolutely! You can use any kind of potatoes you prefer, such as red potatoes, Yukon gold, or even sweet potatoes for a different twist.

4. Can I skip the green beans?

Yes, you can omit the green beans if you don’t have them or if you prefer other vegetables. Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus would be great alternatives.

5. How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check if it’s no longer pink inside.

6. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, fresh garlic can be used in place of garlic powder for a more robust flavor. You can finely chop a couple of garlic cloves and add them to the melted butter.

7. Is there a substitute for the Italian dressing mix?

You can make your own seasoning mix using dried herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

8. Can I add cheese to this dish?

Yes! Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the dish for the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy topping.

9. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this recipe in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just make sure to add the butter and seasoning after the chicken is nearly cooked through.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to feed more people, just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary.

Conclusion

The Italian Garlic Butter Chicken Bake is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal prep, a handful of ingredients, and a satisfying taste, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a comforting meal to enjoy with loved ones, this recipe will definitely hit the spot. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can easily make it your own. Happy cooking!