Oven-Baked Chicken in Tangy Red Sauce Recipe
This baked chicken recipe features juicy drumsticks and thighs coated in a flavorful, tangy red sauce made from Catalina-style dressing and dry onion soup mix. Baked until tender and deeply glazed, this easy and comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 to 3 1/2 pounds chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs)
Sauce
- 1 (16-ounce) bottle Catalina-style dressing
- 1 (1-ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large oval glass baking dish or a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish to promote even cooking.
- Make sauce: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the Catalina-style dressing and dry onion soup mix until there are no clumps and the mixture is uniform.
- Coat chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken pieces. Turn the pieces once if necessary to ensure every piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 50 to 65 minutes. Baste the chicken with the sauce once or twice during cooking to keep it moist and enhance glazing. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F measured at the thickest part and the sauce is deeply glazed.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Patting the chicken dry helps achieve a better glaze and slightly crisper skin.
- You can substitute chicken pieces based on preference but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Basting during baking ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
- Pair this dish with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
