Ingredients:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- Chicken pieces (enough to fill a casserole dish – about 4-6 pieces, bone-in or boneless)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in a casserole dish. Ensure the dish is large enough to hold all the chicken without overcrowding.
Step 3: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, water, and dry onion soup mix. Whisk until well blended and the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
Step 4: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Step 5: Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and the sauce is nicely glazed. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy individuals or families. It requires minimal prep time, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a flavorful, satisfying meal. The sweet and savory sauce is a crowd-pleaser, and the recipe is easily adaptable to different cuts of chicken or even other proteins. Plus, clean-up is a breeze!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with a side of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Mashed potatoes are another excellent accompaniment, providing a creamy contrast to the tangy chicken.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, add a healthy element to the meal.
- A simple side salad complements the richness of the chicken and sauce.
- Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on the plate.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
- To prevent the chicken from drying out, especially if using boneless, skinless breasts, you can cover the casserole dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking, then remove the foil for the remaining time to allow the sauce to glaze.
- Experiment with different variations of the sauce by adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
60 minutes
Total Time:
70 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on the size of the chicken pieces)
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700mg per serving (depending on the onion soup mix used)
Conclusion
“Chicken in a Hurry” is a reliable, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a favorite for busy cooks who don’t want to sacrifice taste. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. Enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors in this effortless chicken dish!
Questions and Answers about This Recipe
Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just be sure to monitor them closely during baking to prevent them from drying out. You may want to cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes to retain moisture.
Q2: Can I substitute the dry onion soup mix with fresh onions?
A: While you can substitute with fresh onions, the flavor profile will be different. If using fresh onions, sauté one medium chopped onion until softened and add it to the sauce mixture. You may also want to add a teaspoon of onion powder to enhance the onion flavor.
Q3: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over it, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Q4: What other vegetables can I add to the casserole dish?
A: You can add a variety of vegetables to the casserole dish. Some good options include carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. Add them to the dish along with the chicken and pour the sauce over everything before baking.
Q5: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish to accommodate the increased amount of chicken and sauce. Be sure to adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
