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Hurry Chicken is the ultimate answer when you want a homemade dinner with almost no effort. With just a handful of budget-friendly ingredients stirred together and poured over chicken, it quietly bubbles away in the oven until tender and flavorful. This was my grandmother’s way of feeding a house full of hungry kids and adults, and it always drew everyone to the table.
I first made this on a busy school night and it saved dinner. Now I keep onion soup mix in the pantry just for this simple classic.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces: Choose legs or thighs for juicy results. Look for skin-on for extra flavor and crisp
- Brown sugar: Adds a warm caramel sweetness to the sauce. Light brown is best for a mellow taste
- Ketchup: Lends tangy tomato richness. Go for a brand with no high fructose corn syrup if possible
- Water: Helps the sauce melt and bubble gently so everything stays moist
- Onion soup mix: Packs all the seasoning into one envelope. Try to pick a mix with visible bits of dried onion for real flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl blend together the brown sugar ketchup water and onion soup mix. Make sure you mix this thoroughly so there are no brown sugar lumps and the soup mix is well dispersed. This creates a smooth and flavorful sauce base for your chicken
- Arrange the Chicken:
- Lay your chicken pieces in a single layer in your casserole dish. Tuck them close but avoid overlapping for even cooking. Rubbing a little oil on the bottom of the dish helps prevent sticking
- Pour the Sauce:
- Carefully pour the sauce over the chicken making sure every piece is well coated. Use a spoon to drizzle sauce under the pieces as well. This is your chance to marinade if you want to let it sit in the fridge for a few hours for even more flavor
- Cover and Bake:
- Put the lid on your dish and bake in a 350 degree oven for one and a half hours. The cover traps the steam and keeps everything super moist so the sauce thickens and the chicken stays juicy and tender
- Finish and Serve:
- Once baked remove lid and check the thickest chicken piece. The juices should run clear and you can serve straight from the casserole dish spooning extra sauce on top of each serving
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Every time I make this I think of Sunday afternoons in my grandma’s kitchen filling the house with the cozy smell of sweet bubbling sauce. The brown sugar always caramelizes just a bit around the edges and that is my favorite part to scoop up.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. They reheat beautifully either in the oven with a splash of water to loosen the sauce or in the microwave. This dish also freezes well for up to two months so it is great for prepping ahead.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try using skinless chicken thighs or even bone-in breasts if you like more white meat. You can substitute half the brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness profile or use tomato sauce instead of ketchup if that is what you have. Low sodium onion soup mix works if you are watching salt.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve Hurry Chicken with fluffy rice or buttered noodles since the savory sauce begs for something to soak it up. Roasted potatoes or steamed green beans make great sides. If you want a touch of freshness try a crisp green salad alongside.
Cultural History
Hurry Chicken is a perfect example of retro American cooking blending pantry staples for maximum impact with minimal work. The use of onion soup mix in casseroles hit its stride in mid century kitchens and has remained a comfort food move ever since.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use boneless chicken for this dish?
Yes, boneless chicken works well, but adjust the baking time as it may cook faster and stay moist.
- → What sides pair best with Hurry Chicken?
This dish is delicious with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- → Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
- → Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftover chicken freezes well. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- → How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar, or add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.