Easy Oven-Barbecued Chicken
Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts coated in a tangy cranberry and French dressing glaze, perfect for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that pairs well with rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat French dressing, cranberry sauce, and soup mix over low heat in a small saucepan.
- Stir until the mixture is heated through, the cranberry sauce has melted, and all ingredients are smoothly mixed.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in a greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350°F.
- Serve the chicken with rice and spoon the sauce over the rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, try using a homemade vinaigrette instead of French dressing. You can also substitute the whole-berry cranberry sauce with cranberry jelly for a smoother texture. If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, they work well too! Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. This recipe is also great for meal prep, making it suitable for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-barbecued chicken hot over a bed of rice, allowing the sauce to soak in. Steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad pairs nicely for a complete meal. You can also serve it with bread rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish complements well with recipes like Holiday Cranberry Chicken for festive occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover oven-barbecued chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Oven-Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 394 calories, with 14g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 727mg per serving (32% 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 breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you start with frozen chicken, the cooking time may need to be extended by about 10-15 minutes. Always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
What can I do if I don’t have French dressing?
If you don’t have French dressing, you can easily substitute it with Italian dressing or a homemade mix of olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. This will give a different flavor profile, but it will still work well with the cranberry sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce while it's heating. You could also serve the finished dish with a side of spicy coleslaw for an extra kick.
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).