🍗 Dump-and-Bake Italian Chicken, Potato & Green Bean Dinner
Introduction
Some nights just call for minimal effort and maximum comfort. This Dump-and-Bake Italian Chicken Dinner fits the bill beautifully. Just toss everything into a pan—chicken, potatoes, green beans, seasoning, and butter—cover it with foil, and let the oven do the work.
It’s cozy, buttery, and bursting with zesty Italian flavor. Best of all? It’s virtually impossible to mess up, making it a perfect go-to for busy nights or beginner cooks.
💖 Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a magic mix of simplicity, flavor, and no-fuss cleanup. There’s no browning, no stovetop prep—just dump, bake, and enjoy. The Italian dressing mix creates a bold, savory coating that’s soaked up by the potatoes and green beans while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. It’s no surprise there were zero leftovers.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 3–5 small to medium potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1½ to 2 cans green beans (drained)
- 1 packet dry Italian dressing mix
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
🔄 Ingredient Notes and Swaps
- Potatoes: Russets, red, or Yukon Golds all work. Cut into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Green Beans: Use canned (drained), fresh trimmed beans, or frozen (thawed).
- Italian Dressing Mix: If unavailable, mix 1 tsp each dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano with a pinch of salt and sugar.
- Butter: Unsalted preferred—you control the salt level.
⏱ Recipe Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Bake Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Assemble the Ingredients
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil.
- Layer the cubed chicken, potatoes, and green beans evenly in the dish.
3. Season
- Sprinkle the entire packet of dry Italian dressing mix over the chicken and veggies.
4. Add Butter
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over everything in the dish.
5. Cover and Bake
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Serve
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, and serve hot with any pan juices spooned over the top.
🔥 Tips for Success
- Cut potatoes into small chunks to ensure they cook evenly with the chicken.
- Use heavy-duty foil or double wrap to trap steam and ensure tenderness.
- Stir halfway through baking if you like things a little more evenly coated and caramelized.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few winning pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
- Add a crisp green salad on the side
- A splash of lemon juice or hot sauce over the top adds a nice zing
- Try pairing with This Crockpot Nacho Dip or Dorito Casserole for a fun weekend spread
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Microwave or warm in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through.
- To Freeze: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, though the texture of potatoes may soften slightly.
📚 More Recipes You Will Love
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip
- These Easy Turkey Wings
- This Dorito Casserole
- These Chicken Enchiladas
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
🧾 Final Thoughts
When a recipe calls for minimal effort and leaves behind an empty dish, you know it’s a keeper. This Dump-and-Bake Italian Chicken Dinner brings comfort, flavor, and convenience to your table with just five core ingredients. It’s a weeknight lifesaver, a potluck pleaser, and one you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Tried it? Leave a comment or tag @chefmaniac to show off your plate! For more dump-and-bake dinner inspiration and easy weeknight meals, make sure to follow for fresh recipes from Jason Griffith and the ChefManiac team.
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