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Celebration Chicken

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  • #13415

A quick and easy chicken dinner that is guaranteed to tantalize the taste-buds with a savory flavor and a hint of sweet.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  1-2 hrs
Rating: 5/5

4 reviews

ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut up (remove the skin if desired)
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish.

In a bowl, stir together the onion soup mix, ketchup, brown sugar, and water. Mix until smooth. Pour evenly over the chicken.

Cover the pan with foil and place in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through.

recipe tips


Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the sauce so they don't dry out.

Bake the chicken covered to keep it moist and tender.

Baste the chicken halfway through cooking with the sauce for added moisture.

For a crispier skin, uncover the chicken for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for the juices to reabsorb.

Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce as desired.

Serve the chicken with a side of the sauce for dipping, if desired.

Add beer or red wine to the sauce in place of the water for extra flavor.

common recipe questions


Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of pieces used. Cook until the chicken is done.

Is there a substitute for the dry onion soup mix?

You can use a mix of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon powder, and a pinch of garlic powder as a substitute. Or, make your own.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, and the juices run clear.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar?

You can use honey or maple syrup as substitutes, but it will slightly alter the flavor. Or, use a commercial heat-safe brown sugar substitute.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before baking.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes, cook it and let it cool completely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat in the oven or microwave.

tools needed


Baking Dish: To hold the chicken pieces while they bake in the oven. Choose a dish that is large enough to accommodate the chicken pieces without overcrowding.

Foil: Use the foil to cover the baking dish containing the chicken and sauce mixture. This helps to trap moisture and heat, helps make sure the chicken stays juicy.

Bowl: For mixing together the dry onion soup mix, ketchup, brown sugar, and water. Make sure it is large enough to combine all the ingredients without making a mess.

Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the whole chicken into pieces if it hasn't already been done.

what goes with it?


Roasted Brussels Sprouts: the slight bitterness of the roasted Brussels sprouts will complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.

Honey Glazed Carrots: the natural sweetness of honey glazed carrots will enhance the hint of sweetness in the chicken, creating a sweet and savory combination.

Garlic Green Beans: the garlic-infused green beans will provide a savory element to balance out the sweetness of the chicken.

Wild Rice Pilaf: the nutty and earthy flavors of wild rice pilaf will complement the savory and slightly sweet flavors of the chicken, adding a textural contrast to the dish.

beverage pairings


Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: The buttery goodness of a Chardonnay can complement the savory-sweet flavors of the dish.

Merlot: A fruity Merlot with hints of plum and cherry can provide a nice contrast to the savory notes of the dish.

Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of the sauce.

Other Alcohol Pairings
Whiskey Sour: The tartness of a whiskey sour can balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar in the dish.

Hard Cider: The crisp apple notes in a hard cider can complement the flavors of the chicken.

Amber Ale: An amber ale with its caramel undertones can enhance the savory aspects of the dish.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Pineapple Juice: The tropical sweetness of pineapple juice can add a refreshing twist to the savory-sweet flavors of the dish.

Ginger Beer: The spicy kick of ginger beer can amplify the savory notes of the dish, providing a zesty kick.

Iced Chai Latte: A creamy iced chai latte can complement the warm spices in the dish, adding a touch of indulgence to your meal without the alcohol.


nutrition data

651 calories, 39 grams fat, 23 grams carbohydrates, 50 grams protein per serving.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. MomCooks REVIEW:

    surprisingly tasty and easy. I omitted the water because the bone-in skin on chicken thighs produced a lot of liquid.

  2. russellpollard REVIEW:

    Great little recipe. A variation of the much tried and tested onion soup mix with a can of apricots. [I chop up the apricots a little and then mix them with the soup powder and sugar syrup from the can, before pouring it over 1 kg of chicken to bake for about an hour.]

  3. jane REVIEW:

    this is so good and very easy. Kids love it served with rice and broccoli.

  4. marlenefillmore REVIEW:

    Made this with cut up leg quarters. Very good bbq like flavor.

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