My neighbor brought this to our block party in 1978 and I’ve been making it every summer since. Only 3 ingredients.

This Oven Baked Chicken Francaise takes all the rich, bright flavor of a classic lemon-butter bistro favorite and streamlines it into a simple three-ingredient bake. By roasting tender chicken pieces directly in a thick coating of creamy Italian dressing and zesty lemon pepper, you get an effortlessly glossy, tangy glaze and juicy, golden chicken every single time.

Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Francaise

Ingredients:

Step-By-Step Directions:

1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the sauce adheres well and stays thick.

3. Coat the chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl, add the creamy Italian dressing, and sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning over top. Toss until every piece is thick and glossy.

4. Arrange in the dish: Transfer the coated chicken into the prepared baking dish in a single layer, scraping any remaining dressing from the bowl over the meat.

5. Initial bake: Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 20 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble around the edges.

6. Baste: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and spoon the hot pan juices back over the chicken to build up the glaze.

7. Finish baking: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the edges turn lightly browned. Tip: Broil on high for 2 to 4 minutes at the end for extra golden, crispy edges.

8. Rest and serve: Let the chicken sit in the pan for 5 minutes so the juices settle and the sauce thickens slightly before serving hot with spoonfuls of the pan sauce.