Quick and Easy Chicken in a Hurry: Your Ultimate Weeknight Meal Solution
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight savior! This Chicken in a Hurry recipe, affectionately known as “Hurry Chicken” in many households, stands out as a beloved family meal due to its incredible simplicity and speed. Requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients like succulent boneless chicken thighs, a packet of savory onion soup mix, rich ketchup, and a touch of brown sugar, this dish comes together with only 5 minutes of active preparation time. It’s the perfect answer for those busy evenings when you crave a homemade, flavorful meal without the fuss.
Whether it’s the crisp days of fall, the depths of winter, or any time of year when your oven is a welcome warmth (or when your schedule simply dictates a no-fuss approach), this Hurry Chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile. What makes this easy chicken recipe truly remarkable is its minimal ingredient list and the flexibility it offers. You can effortlessly assemble it in just 5 minutes for immediate baking, or prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or even freeze it for future convenience. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can combine to create a deeply satisfying and delicious meal that caters to busy lifestyles, making it a true staple for quick family dinners.
🍒 Pinterest Review
“This was so good and easy with everyday household ingredients, any child or picky eater would like this dish!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Cherished Origins of a Family Favorite
Beyond the endless scroll of online recipes, some of the most treasured culinary gems often come from a more personal source. For me, many beloved dishes, including this very Chicken in a Hurry, hail from a collection of cookbooks passed down through generations. These aren’t just any cookbooks; they are often compilations from Ladies Auxiliary groups, local Legions, and Centennial celebrations from rural Manitoba, my Grandma’s lifelong home. These community cookbooks are a unique blend of practical recipes and heartwarming tradition, often revealing the culinary heartbeat of a region.
These books, filled with handwritten notes and well-loved pages, are more than just recipes; they are historical records of community, tradition, and heartwarming family meals. They hold a special place in my heart, and this particular recipe is one that my Mom, Aunts, and Grandma have regularly prepared and cherished throughout the years. It’s a taste of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times, and a dish that consistently brings comfort and joy to our family table. The fact that it comes from such a rich personal history adds an extra layer of flavor and meaning. Sharing it with you now feels like extending that warmth and tradition, ensuring that this easy, delicious meal continues to create happy memories for new generations of home cooks looking for a reliable and flavorful weeknight dinner.
🥘 Ingredient Spotlight: The Magic of 5 Simple Components
One of the most appealing aspects of this onion soup mix chicken recipe is its incredibly short ingredient list. You truly only need five core items to create a dish bursting with flavor and tender, juicy chicken. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing the unique sweet, savory, and tangy profile that makes this Hurry Chicken so irresistible and a standout among quick chicken dinners.
- Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thighs: These are the star of the show and the ideal choice for this recipe. Chicken thighs are preferred over breasts for this recipe because their higher fat content ensures they remain incredibly juicy and flavorful during baking, even with extended cooking times. Boneless and skinless means less prep work for you, saving precious minutes and making the “hurry” aspect truly achievable for a busy weeknight meal.
- Dry Onion Soup Mix: This is the secret weapon for deep, savory flavor. Brands like Lipton are popular choices, but any dry onion soup mix will infuse the chicken with a rich, aromatic onion base that’s hard to beat. It provides an instant boost of seasoning, umami, and a subtle savory depth, transforming a simple ketchup-based sauce into something extraordinary with minimal effort. It’s a classic pantry staple that performs wonders in quick dinners.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely caramelized sweetness and depth to the sauce, creating that irresistible sticky glaze. You can use either dark or light brown sugar; dark brown sugar will impart a slightly richer, more molasses-like flavor, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness. It perfectly balances the tang from the ketchup and the savoriness from the soup mix, contributing to the dish’s signature flavor.
- Ketchup: More than just a condiment, ketchup forms the tangy, slightly sweet foundation of our sauce. Any brand you have on hand will work. It contributes a vibrant tomato flavor and a smooth consistency that coats the chicken beautifully. As it bakes, the ketchup mellows and thickens, creating a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings to every piece of chicken.
- Water: The fifth essential ingredient, water, helps to create the perfect consistency for the sauce. It ensures the mixture is thin enough to meld with the other ingredients and coat the chicken thoroughly before baking, but also allows it to reduce and thicken beautifully in the oven, culminating in a rich, delicious gravy.
For a complete breakdown of specific quantities and the preparation process, remember to check the detailed recipe card below. These five simple ingredients, when combined, create a truly harmonious and satisfying meal that feels far more gourmet than its effort suggests.
📋 Variations & Substitutions: Customizing Your Hurry Chicken
While the classic Chicken in a Hurry recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these variations and substitutions to best suit your preferences, dietary needs, or what you happen to have available in your pantry. This flexibility is another reason why this dish is such a weeknight hero.
- Chicken Options: While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended for their juiciness and inherent flavor, you have several viable alternatives depending on what you have on hand:
- If you have chicken thighs with skin on, simply remove the skin before proceeding with the recipe. This helps the sauce penetrate the meat better and reduces overall fat.
- Large chicken breasts can be substituted, though they might be slightly less moist due to their lower fat content. To ensure maximum tenderness, you might want to slice them thinner or pound them slightly to an even thickness to promote quicker, more even cooking.
- Bone-in chicken thighs or even drumsticks (skin removed) also work beautifully but will typically require an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer, being careful to avoid touching the bone.
- Ketchup Alternatives: If you’re out of ketchup or desire a different flavor profile, consider these swaps:
- Tomato Sauce: Use an equal amount of plain tomato sauce for a less sweet, more pure tomato flavor. You might want to add an extra pinch of brown sugar if you miss some of the ketchup’s sweetness.
- Tomato Paste: For a deeper, more concentrated tomato taste, mix ½ cup of tomato paste with ½ cup of water. This creates a thicker base that will bake down wonderfully. A small amount of vinegar and a pinch of sugar can be added to mimic ketchup’s tang and sweetness.
- For a Balanced Flavor: If you find the sauce too sweet or want to add more complexity, incorporating a splash of apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or even a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can introduce a delightful tanginess, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile.
- Homemade Onion Soup Mix: If you prefer to avoid store-bought mixes due to specific dietary concerns (like sodium content) or simply don’t have one on hand, crafting your own is surprisingly easy and allows for customization. Mix together:
- 2 ⅔ tablespoons dry onion (minced, flakes, or chopped)
- 4 teaspoons instant beef bouillon powder (sodium-free is a great option for health-conscious cooks)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
This homemade blend will provide a similar savory depth, giving you complete control over the ingredients and seasoning.
- Add a Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of sriracha sauce, a pinch of crushed red chili flakes, or a teaspoon of hot sauce added to the sauce mixture will elevate the flavor with a pleasant warmth. Start small and add more to taste.
- Vegetable Boost: While traditionally served plain, you can easily add diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even some frozen peas (added towards the end of baking to retain their color and texture) directly to the casserole dish for added nutrition, color, and texture. They will cook down nicely in the delicious sauce.
🔪 How to Make Chicken in a Hurry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Chicken in a Hurry is incredibly straightforward, involving just a few simple steps. Follow this guide precisely to achieve perfectly tender chicken bathed in a rich, savory-sweet sauce that your entire family will adore. The “hurry” aspect truly comes from the minimal active cooking time required.
Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly spray the bottom of a small roaster or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the chicken and sauce from sticking to the bottom during baking, making both cleanup easier and ensuring your chicken stays intact.
- Step 1: Arrange the Chicken. Carefully place your skinless, boneless chicken thighs in the prepared roaster or casserole dish. It’s important to arrange them in a single layer to promote even cooking and ensure each piece is thoroughly coated by the delicious sauce. Avoid overcrowding the dish.
- Step 2: Prepare the Sauce. In a separate small bowl, combine the ketchup, water, brown sugar, and the dry onion soup mix. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved. This creates the rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced sauce that will infuse the chicken during baking, giving it its signature taste.
- Step 3: Sauce the Chicken. Carefully pour the whisked sauce evenly over the chicken pieces in the casserole dish. Ensure each piece is well-coated. This ensures that every bite of chicken will be infused with the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors of the sauce as it bakes.
- Step 4: Seal for Baking. Tightly seal the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This is a crucial step as it traps moisture and creates a steamy environment within the dish, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy and preventing it from drying out during the baking process. A good seal also helps the flavors meld effectively.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Place the sealed casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific oven and the thickness of your chicken pieces. The most important indicator of doneness for food safety and optimal texture is the internal temperature: ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) using a reliable meat thermometer. The chicken should be cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional). If, after baking, you find the sauce to be thinner than your preference, you can easily thicken it to a rich, gravy-like consistency. Prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water until it forms a smooth, lump-free mixture. This thickening agent will not affect the delicious flavor of your sauce.
- Step 7: Transfer and Simmer Sauce. Once the chicken is cooked through and removed from the oven, carefully transfer the chicken pieces from the casserole dish to a separate plate or serving platter and set them aside to keep warm. Pour the remaining flavorful sauce from the dish into a small saucepan. Stir in the cornstarch slurry mixture you prepared earlier, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Step 8: Finish and Serve. Heat the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired gravy-like thickness. The frequent stirring prevents scorching and ensures a smooth consistency. Once thickened, pour the rich, glossy sauce generously over the warm chicken pieces. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting, homemade meal, knowing it came together effortlessly!
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken in a Hurry
Mastering this simple recipe is easy with a few insider tips. These expert suggestions will help you achieve perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken and a wonderfully balanced sauce every single time, elevating your weeknight dinner experience.
- Precise Internal Temperature: Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is non-negotiable for food safety and key for optimal texture. If you’re using bone-in chicken, be careful not to touch the bone with the thermometer probe, as bones heat up faster and can give a misleadingly high reading, leading to undercooked meat around the bone.
- Prevent Dry Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are naturally more forgiving than breasts due to their fat content, but overbaking can still lead to dryness. Stick closely to the 165°F (74°C) target temperature. Once it’s reached, remove the chicken from the oven immediately. This preserves its juicy, tender texture and ensures every bite is succulent.
- Adjusting for Bone-In Cuts: If you opt for bone-in chicken thighs or breasts (with skin removed), remember they will need slightly longer to cook thoroughly. Increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, but always rely on your meat thermometer for accurate doneness rather than just timing. The extra time allows the heat to fully penetrate the bone.
- Achieve a Perfect Seal: A tight seal with aluminum foil is absolutely critical for this recipe. It acts like a mini-steamer in your oven, locking in all the moisture and flavorful juices. This ensures your chicken stays incredibly tender and juicy, and also prevents the sauce from reducing too quickly and becoming overly concentrated or even burning.
- Easily Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a richer, gravy-like sauce, the cornstarch slurry method detailed in the instructions is your best friend. After baking, remove the chicken and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Whisk in the slurry and simmer gently over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Don’t skip the slurry for a velvety smooth sauce!
- Balance Sweetness & Tang: The original recipe has a delightful sweet and savory profile. If you find the sauce leaning too sweet for your palate, a small splash of apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can introduce a bright, acidic counterpoint that balances the flavors beautifully. Start with a small amount (e.g., ½ teaspoon) and taste as you go, adding more if needed.
- Reheating Without Drying Out: Leftovers are a treat with this recipe! To reheat without sacrificing moisture, place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the sauce if it seems too thick, cover it tightly with foil, and warm it in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Gentle reheating is key.
- Marinating for Deeper Flavor (Optional): For an even more intense flavor experience, you can marinate the chicken thighs in about half of the prepared sauce mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the savory and sweet flavors to penetrate the chicken more deeply, resulting in an even richer final dish.
🥗 What to Serve with Hurry Chicken: Perfect Pairings
This Chicken in a Hurry recipe is the quintessential busy weeknight dinner, and its versatile flavor profile means it pairs beautifully with a wide array of simple sides. The rich, savory-sweet sauce complements many textures and flavors, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal without adding extra stress to your evening.
- Rice Dishes: A classic pairing, rice perfectly soaks up the delicious sauce, ensuring no flavor is left behind. Options include:
- Minute Rice: For ultimate speed, truly living up to the “hurry” theme, this is your quickest option.
- White Rice: A neutral canvas that lets the chicken’s bold flavors shine, offering a comforting and familiar base.
- Brown Rice: Offers a nuttier flavor, a chewier texture, and added fiber, making it a wholesome choice.
- Couscous or Quinoa: For a slightly different texture and more nutrients, these grains are quick to prepare and absorb the sauce wonderfully.
- Potato Sides: Hearty and comforting potato dishes are always a hit and provide a substantial counterpoint to the flavorful chicken:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A perfect match for soaking up every drop of that incredible, thick sauce, making for a truly comforting plate.
- Sweet Potatoes: Whether baked, roasted, or mashed, sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness and a nutritional boost that complements the chicken’s sauce beautifully.
- Onion Baked Potatoes: A flavorful and simple side that can often bake alongside your chicken or be prepared easily on the stovetop, adding another layer of savory onion flavor.
- Roasted Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these provide a delightful textural contrast.
- Fresh Salads: To add a refreshing contrast, cut through the richness, and provide a burst of freshness and lightness to the meal, a crisp salad is ideal:
- Strawberry Spinach Salad: (as shown in image below) The sweet berries, crisp spinach, and crunchy pecans offer a fantastic textural and flavor contrast that brightens the entire meal.
- Cranberry Kale Salad: A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad with tangy cranberries and salty feta that cuts through the richness of the chicken, offering a sophisticated side.
- Simple Garden Salad: A quick spring mix with grape tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette is always a reliable good choice, especially when you’re truly in a hurry and need something fresh.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple vegetable sides are excellent for adding color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish. Think broccoli florets, green beans, or asparagus lightly steamed or roasted with a touch of garlic and olive oil. They provide a healthy crunch and a fresh element to balance the rich chicken.
🌡️ Make Ahead & Storage Solutions
This Chicken in a Hurry recipe is not only quick to prepare but also fantastic for meal prepping or handling leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious, comforting meal for days to come, minimizing food waste and maximizing convenience.
- Refrigeration: Leftovers, including the chicken and its rich sauce, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For best results in terms of texture and freshness, if you’ve prepared rice or other carbohydrate-based sides, it’s best to store them in separate containers from the chicken and sauce.
- Freezing: This recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a superb option for future meals. Once the cooked chicken and sauce have cooled completely, transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure as much air as possible is removed from the bags to prevent freezer burn. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat according to the expert tips above to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Meal Prep Option: For ultimate convenience, you can assemble the dish (placing the chicken and sauce in the casserole dish, ready for baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply pop it into the preheated oven. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the fridge, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
With these make-ahead and storage options, you can easily ensure a delicious, home-cooked meal is always within reach, even on your busiest days.
👪 Serving Size & Adjustments for Your Family
This easy dinner recipe is designed to generously serve 8 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or ensuring ample leftovers. However, as any parent of a hungry teenager knows (especially if you have a teenage son, like I do!), that number can quickly dwindle to satisfy 4-6 individuals with hearty appetites! The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility.
You can effortlessly cut the recipe in half if you’re cooking for a smaller household or just one or two people by simply halving all the ingredient quantities. The cooking method remains the same, though you might find the cooking time slightly reduced if the dish is less full, so always rely on your meat thermometer.
On the flip side, you’ll likely find yourself wanting to double this recipe regularly because it’s genuinely that good and incredibly convenient! Doubling the recipe is a fantastic strategy for meal prepping. You can enjoy half for dinner tonight and freeze the other half for a future busy weeknight meal, ensuring you always have a delicious, homemade option ready to go. This makes it an ideal choice for busy parents, meal preppers, or anyone who appreciates having a ready-to-heat delicious dinner in the freezer.
🔢 Weight Watchers (WW) Points Friendly Options
For those mindful of their Weight Watchers (WW) points, this Chicken in a Hurry recipe can be easily adapted to be more friendly to your dietary goals without sacrificing its comforting and satisfying flavor. The primary adjustment involves a simple swap:
- Chicken Breast Substitution: The most significant change you can make to reduce WW points is to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are typically a 0-point food on most WW plans (depending on the specific program version), which immediately reduces the overall point value of the dish. By making this switch, the recipe’s estimated WW points per serving can drop significantly, from around 10 points (with thighs) to approximately 5 points.
- Sugar Alternatives: To further lower the point count, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar or replacing it entirely with a sugar substitute. Options like monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or stevia can provide the desired sweetness without adding extra points. Be sure to check the conversion ratios for your chosen sweetener.
- Sugar-Free Ketchup: Many brands now offer sugar-free ketchup varieties. If you are comfortable with using artificial sweeteners, this can be another effective way to reduce the sugar content and, consequently, the WW points in the sauce. Read labels carefully to ensure it aligns with your preferences.
- Homemade Ketchup Substitute: As mentioned in the “Variations & Substitutions” section, using a plain tomato sauce or tomato paste mixed with water can give you more control over the sugar content compared to conventional ketchup. You can then add a touch of natural sweetener (like a very small amount of honey or maple syrup, accounting for its points) or a sugar-free alternative to achieve your desired flavor balance.
- Sodium Awareness: While the dry onion soup mix adds flavor, it can also be high in sodium. Opt for low-sodium versions of onion soup mix or use the homemade blend (using sodium-free bouillon powder) as detailed in the variations section to manage sodium intake, which is beneficial for overall health.
Remember to always calculate points based on the specific ingredients and quantities you use, as nutritional values and brand values can vary. These thoughtful modifications allow you to enjoy a comforting, flavorful, and hearty meal while staying on track with your Weight Watchers journey and other health goals.
❔ Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! If you enjoy a kick, you can easily add a little sriracha sauce (start with 1-2 teaspoons and adjust to taste) or a pinch of crushed red chili pepper (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon) to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken. For a smoky heat, a dash of smoked paprika or a chipotle powder can also work wonderfully, adding complexity without overwhelming the original flavors. Adjust to your preferred level of heat.
Yes, this recipe adapts wonderfully to a slow cooker for an even more hands-off approach! Simply place the chicken pieces in the crockpot, mix all the sauce ingredients as directed in the recipe, and pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The slow cooker method makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an extra rich sauce.
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, there are a few adjustments you can make. You can reduce the amount of brown sugar to ¼ cup, or even substitute it with a milder natural sweetener like a small amount of honey (adjusting for taste and potential caloric impact). Additionally, adding a splash of vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar) or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce can introduce acidity, which beautifully balances the sweetness and creates a more complex, tangy flavor profile. Experiment with small additions until you reach your desired balance.
Indeed, this Hurry Chicken is an excellent make-ahead meal, perfect for busy schedules! You have two main options:
1. Assemble Ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a truly quick oven-to-table experience.
2. Fully Cooked and Reheated: Cook the dish completely, allow it to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce appears too thick to maintain moisture.
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but a slight adjustment is needed for the best results. Reduce the amount of water in the sauce by half (to ½ cup) to account for the extra moisture released by the frozen chicken during cooking. Additionally, you will need to increase the baking time by approximately 15-20 minutes. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, you can then thicken the sauce as needed following the instructions provided in the recipe.
The key to consistently tender chicken lies in not overcooking it. Always bake until the internal temperature reaches precisely 165°F (74°C), and avoid going beyond this point, as every extra minute can contribute to dryness. Using boneless, skinless thighs already helps significantly as they retain moisture well due to their fat content. Furthermore, the tight foil seal during baking creates a steamy, moist environment that keeps the chicken incredibly juicy. If using leaner chicken breasts, be extra vigilant with the thermometer as they can dry out faster than thighs.
So, whether you’re searching for an incredibly quick and easy baked chicken dinner or a delicious, fuss-free chicken recipe with onion soup mix that will be a guaranteed hit with the entire family, this Chicken in a Hurry recipe is undoubtedly the perfect choice! It’s a versatile, budget-friendly meal that delivers maximum flavor for minimal effort.
If you’re looking for more simple and flavorful chicken options, you might also enjoy my Honey Lime Chicken. It’s another fantastic recipe that uses pantry staples and succulent chicken thighs for a meal that’s both easy to make and wonderfully satisfying, proving that delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated.
🐓 More Quick Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of our Chicken in a Hurry, you’re in luck! There are plenty of other quick and easy chicken recipes perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply need a flavorful meal without a lot of effort. Explore some of our other family favorites that promise convenience and taste:
- Honey Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Healthy Butter Chicken Recipe
- 5 Ingredient Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken
- Baked Apricot Chicken (with apricot jam)
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📋 Chicken in a Hurry Recipe Details
This 5-ingredient quick and easy Chicken in a Hurry Recipe is simple to make and takes about 5 minutes to prep. It’s a budget-friendly baked chicken thighs recipe, using pantry ingredients (like onion soup mix) that you likely already have on hand. It’s also the perfect make-ahead or weeknight dinner, consistently receiving high praise for its flavor and ease, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: Approximately 275 kcal per serving
Author: Terri Gilson
Equipment
- 13 inch covered oval roaster or a large casserole dish (approx. 9×13 inch)
- Small mixing bowl and whisk
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Small saucepan (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 56 g (equivalent to two 28g packages) dry onion soup mix
Sauce Thickener (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cold water
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the bottom of a small roaster or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the skinless, boneless chicken thighs in a single layer in the prepared roaster or casserole dish. Ensure they are evenly spaced.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, water, brown sugar, and dry onion soup mix until all ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover and Bake: Seal the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by a meat thermometer. The chicken should be cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): Once the chicken is done, if you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the dish and set it aside on a plate, keeping it warm. In a small separate bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water to form a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- Simmer Sauce: Carefully pour the remaining sauce from the casserole dish into a small saucepan. Stir in the prepared cornstarch slurry mixture until fully incorporated.
- Serve: Heat the sauce mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened to a gravy-like consistency. Pour the rich, glossy sauce generously over the warm chicken and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Homemade Onion Soup Mix: If you’d like to make your own onion soup mix as a substitute for store-bought versions (e.g., Lipton onion soup mix), combine the following ingredients:
- 2 ⅔ tablespoons minced dry onion flakes
- 4 teaspoons instant beef bouillon powder (sodium-free recommended)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- Storage: Leftover chicken from this recipe, along with its sauce, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. If you are serving with rice or other sides, it’s best to store them in separate containers to maintain their optimal texture.
- Freezing: This recipe freezes very well. Once cooled completely, transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent drying out.
- Expert Tips Summary: For juicy chicken, always monitor the internal temperature carefully to reach 165°F (74°C) without overcooking. Ensure a tight foil seal during baking to lock in moisture. If the sauce is too sweet, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can balance the flavor. Reheat leftovers gently in the oven with a little added liquid if needed.
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 275 kcal (14% Daily Value)
- Carbohydrates: 26g (9% Daily Value)
- Protein: 28g (56% Daily Value)
- Fat: 6g (9% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 1g (6% Daily Value)
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 135mg (45% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 966mg (42% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 511mg (15% Daily Value)
- Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
- Sugar: 20g (22% Daily Value)
- Vitamin A: 189IU (4% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 40mg (4% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1mg (6% Daily Value)
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on standard ingredient values and may vary based on specific ingredient brands, exact quantities used, and preparation methods.
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