🍗 Chicken in a Hurry — Easy 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken
A deliciously simple baked chicken recipe with a sweet, tangy, savory sauce made from just a few pantry staples. The chicken turns beautifully caramelized and juicy while the sauce thickens around it.
Ingredients
- 2½–3 lb chicken pieces — thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or a combination
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or another baking dish large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer.
3. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, ketchup, water, and dry onion soup mix. Stir until well blended.
4. Arrange the chicken pieces in the prepared casserole dish.
5. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure the pieces are well coated.
6. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked and nicely browned.
8. The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
9. Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
10. Spoon some of the delicious caramelized sauce from the pan over the chicken.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken with:
Mashed potatoes
White or brown rice
Roasted vegetables
Green beans
Corn
A fresh garden salad
Dinner rolls or crusty bread
⭐ Tips for the Best Chicken
Don’t overcrowd the dish so the chicken browns properly.
For extra caramelization, leave the chicken uncovered during the final 20–30 minutes.
Chicken thighs and drumsticks are especially juicy and flavorful with this sauce.
If using chicken breasts, choose pieces of similar size so they cook evenly.
Always check the internal temperature rather than relying only on cooking time.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Oven: 350°F (175°C)