Oven-Baked 3-Ingredient Tavern Chicken
This Oven-Baked 3-Ingredient Tavern Chicken is incredibly easy to make with just three pantry-friendly ingredients. The chicken bakes up juicy and tender with a sweet, tangy, and savory glaze that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)
- 1 cup (240 ml) French dressing
- 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) dry onion soup mix
Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Pour the French dressing evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly on top.
- Turn the chicken once to coat it well in the dressing and seasoning.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste with the pan juices halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
- For crispier skin, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken stays especially juicy, but boneless thighs or breasts also work well (reduce the cooking time to 25–35 minutes for boneless pieces).
- For extra caramelization, spoon the pan sauce over the chicken just before serving.
- Add baby potatoes or carrots to the baking dish during the last 30–35 minutes of cooking for a complete one-pan meal.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it moist.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Garden salad
- Dinner rolls
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave until heated through.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Calories: Approximately 360 calories per serving