E-Z Chicken
E-Z Chicken offers a flavorful, tender baked chicken with savory onion and ranch dressing mixes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a Brown 'N Serve bag.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dried onion soup mix and Hidden Valley dressing mix over the chicken.
- Close the bag with a twist tie.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the onion soup mix for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have a Brown 'N Serve bag, a roasting pan covered with foil works well too. You can substitute the fryer chicken with chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker cook time. Adjust the salt based on the seasoning in the soup mix. For a twist, add some garlic powder or paprika.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the E-Z Chicken alongside steamed vegetables like Dilly Asparagus or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious juices. For a heartier side, consider adding Acorn Squash Supreme to the table. Drizzling some of the pan juices over the chicken just before serving enhances the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. For best results, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel while reheating in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of E-Z Chicken contains roughly 97 calories, with 14g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% 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?
While you can use frozen chicken, it's best to fully thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the baking time by 15-30 minutes and check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat.
What can I substitute for the onion soup mix?
If you don't have onion soup mix, you can create a homemade version using dried onions, garlic powder, and beef or vegetable bouillon. Mix these ingredients to achieve a similar flavor profile. Adjust quantities based on your taste preferences.
Can I cook this recipe on the grill?
Yes, you can grill the chicken! Use a grill-safe bag or place the seasoned chicken directly on the grill. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method gives the chicken a lovely smoky flavor.
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).