California Baked Chicken
A flavorful baked chicken dish with smoky bacon, savory onion soup, and a hint of sherry, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange chicken pieces, skin side up, in a single layer in a shallow pan.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, onion soup mix, and diced bacon.
- Add water and sherry to the pan.
- Cover the pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the onion soup mix and sherry for a few hours beforehand. If you want to reduce the fat, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the pan for a complete meal. Adjust the water and sherry based on your taste preference for a more saucy dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the California Baked Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Rice And Oyster Dressing for a comforting touch. For a heartier option, consider adding a side of Easy Orzo Side Dish to soak up the delicious juices. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the chicken's moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Baked Chicken contains roughly 93 calories, with 7g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2117mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It's best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave to defrost the chicken, but be sure to cook it immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria growth.
What can I substitute for sherry in this recipe?
If you don't have sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be used as a substitute. Both will add moisture and flavor, though the taste will vary slightly. For a non-alcoholic option, try using apple cider vinegar mixed with a little water.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the chicken before baking. Alternatively, you could marinate the chicken with a spicy sauce or add jalapeño slices into the pan for a kick. Adjust to your personal spice preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).