Looking for an easy and delicious chicken recipe? Oven-Baked Celebration Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or celebrations. With juicy, tender chicken baked to perfection and coated in a savory BBQ sauce, onion soup mix, and brown sugar glaze, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make with minimal prep and cooking time, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or weekend feasts. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this oven-baked chicken recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

This Oven-Baked Celebration Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that features tender, juicy chicken coated in a savory, sweet sauce. The combination of onion soup mix, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and garlic creates a flavorful glaze that soaks into the chicken, making every bite irresistible. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish requires minimal prep and is baked to perfection in the oven. Serve it with your favorite sides for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 1 (2-ounce) packet onion soup & dip mix
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup water
For the Chicken:
- 3 pounds chicken
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other neutral oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the onion soup & dip mix, ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, garlic, and water until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken (working in batches if necessary) and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the browned chicken on top of the onions, laying the chicken in one even layer.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Divide the chicken and onions evenly onto plates and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tips:
- Brown the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken if you prefer a crispier texture, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If the sauce is too thick after baking, you can thin it out with a little extra water or chicken broth.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Chicken Breasts: You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer leaner meat.
- BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce (smoky, sweet, spicy) to customize the flavor.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the baking dish for a complete meal.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
- The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with rice or steamed vegetables to complete the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make: The oven-baked method is simple, requiring only a few steps for a delicious meal.
- Flavorful and tender: The sauce creates a rich glaze that soaks into the chicken, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful.
- Family-friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Enjoy this Oven-Baked Celebration Chicken as a delightful centerpiece for any meal. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress!
Oven-Baked Celebration Chicken
6
servings15
minutes1
hourIngredients
For the Sauce:
1 (2-ounce) packet onion soup & dip mix
¾ cup ketchup
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ cup BBQ sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup water
For the Chicken:
3 pounds chicken
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 medium onions, sliced
1 tablespoon avocado oil or other neutral oil
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the onion soup & dip mix, ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, garlic, and water until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken (working in batches if necessary) and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the browned chicken on top of the onions, laying the chicken in one even layer.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Divide the chicken and onions evenly onto plates and serve warm with your favorite sides.
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