4 Ingredient Chicken recipe

This 4 Ingredient Chicken recipe is a true gem! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please the whole family. The combination of savory French onion soup mix, tangy Russian dressing, and sweet apricot preserves creates a deliciously unique sauce that coats the chicken thighs perfectly as they roast to golden perfection. Plus, using chicken thighs with the bone in and skin on ensures a juicy and flavorful result every time. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs (you can use a whole chicken or other parts, but thighs are recommended for the best flavor)
• 1 package dry French onion soup mix
• 1 (8 oz) bottle Russian dressing (Wishbone Russian dressing is preferred)
• 1 small jar of apricot preserves or about 1 cupful

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2. In a bowl, mix together all ingredients except for the chicken until well combined.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a baking pan and sprinkle them with pepper. No extra salt is needed due to the seasoning in the French onion soup mix.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
5. Roast the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Baste the chicken with the sauce several times during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Once done, the chicken should be beautifully glazed and irresistible.

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   • While chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can certainly use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time as breasts may cook faster than thighs.
2. Can I use a different type of dressing?
   • Russian dressing adds a unique flavor to this dish, but you can experiment with other dressings if desired. Thousand Island dressing or a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce could work well as substitutes.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time and marinate the chicken in it for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor. Then, simply roast the chicken as directed when ready to cook.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Absolutely! Leftover chicken can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
   • Yes, feel free to add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the baking pan alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
6. Can I use homemade French onion soup mix?
   • Yes, homemade French onion soup mix can be used if preferred. Just make sure it’s well seasoned to impart flavor to the dish.
7. Can I use peach preserves instead of apricot?
   • Yes, peach preserves can be used as a substitute for apricot preserves if desired. Both add a delicious sweetness to the dish.
8. Can I broil the chicken for a crispy finish?
   • Yes, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking to achieve a crispy exterior. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Tips:

1. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking.
2. Make sure to baste the chicken with the sauce several times during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
3. Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, for a complete meal.
4. Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley or green onions before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Sharing is caring!