Zesty Italian Chicken & Veggie Bake: A One-Pan Flavor Explosion

Italian Dressing Chicken and Veggie Bake

Introduction

Bright, zesty, and remarkably simple to make, this Italian Dressing Chicken and Veggie Bake delivers an explosion of flavor with minimal effort. The classic combination of juicy chicken and colorful vegetables—roasted to perfection with tangy Italian dressing—makes this dish an instant family favorite. Whether you need a healthy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main for guests, this recipe will satisfy everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Dressing Chicken and Veggie Bake

This recipe stands out for its sheer simplicity without compromising on flavor. The Italian dressing acts as a multitasking marinade and sauce, infusing chicken and veggies with herbs, spice, and brightness. The quick prep and one-pan approach keep cleanup to a minimum, and the colorful mix of roasted vegetables looks as good as it tastes.

Choosing Your Protein and Vegetables

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—both absorb the Italian dressing beautifully while staying moist during baking. For the vegetables, go for a rainbow: bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and carrot. This variety not only brings nutritional balance but also ensures every bite is flavorful and visually appealing. You can swap veggies to use what you have on hand, making this dish endlessly adaptable.

The Secret is in the Sauce

No need to mix up a marinade from scratch—your favorite bottled Italian dressing brings all the savory, tangy elements in one easy pour. Drizzle generously, toss everything to coat, and let the flavors meld as the dish bakes. For added depth, sprinkle with Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan before roasting.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)1/2 cup Italian dressing (plus extra for serving)2 bell peppers, sliced1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved1 red onion, cut into wedges2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)Salt and black pepper, to taste1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)Fresh parsley, for garnish

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.
  2. Arrange the chicken breasts in the center of the dish. Surround with sliced bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and carrots.
  3. Drizzle the Italian dressing evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Use tongs or your hands to toss and coat everything well. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.
  4. For extra richness, scatter the Parmesan cheese over the top.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized.
  6. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot, spooning extra pan juices over the chicken and veggies.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Chicken and Veggie Bake

Pair with a light side such as brown rice, quinoa, crusty Italian bread, or a green salad. Add a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of extra Italian dressing at serving time for maximum freshness. The leftovers taste great, making this dish ideal for meal prep or lunch the following day.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4. Each serving (including a mix of chicken and vegetables) contains approximately 320–380 calories, depending on the amount of dressing and optional cheese used. It’s a well-rounded meal rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Deliciously Simple Italian Dressing Chicken and Veggie Bake (Recap)

With its zesty flavor, juicy chicken, and tender, roasted veggies, this Italian Dressing Chicken and Veggie Bake is the ultimate answer to quick, nutritious, and flavorful dinners. Its one-pan simplicity makes it a favorite for busy families and anyone looking to streamline dinner without sacrificing taste.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is tailor-made for weekly meal prep! Save and schedule this recipe to customize your weekly menu and auto-generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients across your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

  • Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities, even when recipes overlap (e.g., multiple dishes using Italian dressing or chicken)
  • Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections for stress-free trips
  • Prevents forgetting ingredients and reduces duplicate purchases
  • Optimizes your prep workflow so you can batch-cook efficiently

Pro tip: As you plan out your week, schedule this meal alongside others to get a single, easy-to-follow list. For instance, if multiple recipes call for bell peppers, you’ll only buy exactly what you need—cutting waste and saving money!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

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