4-Ingredient Chicken (2024)

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There are literally thousands of chicken recipes to choose from and they range from the extremely simple to the incredibly complicated. But let’s look at this one for now. It only requires 4 different ingredients and the flavor is so good. So, why choose a complex recipe when you can make such an easy one that offers such a fantastic flavor?

This dish is based on chicken thighs, which tend to be juicier than chicken breasts, as well as more forgiving if you happen to give them a couple of minutes too long in the pan or oven.

In addition, you need French onion soup mix, Russian dressing, and apricot preserves. By now, you’ll be very curious how these ingredients combine and what to expect from this easy, 4-ingredient chicken dish.

The recipe has actually been around for decades and is better known than you might think. And it’s stood the test of time because it’s just as delicious and popular now. There are also optional add-ins you can include to customize it.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love the Recipe:

Easy chicken recipes like this one are always fantastic for dinner, and you only need 4 simple ingredients to make it. The chicken is coated in the other ingredients and then baked in the oven until cooked through. This tangy, flavorful recipe goes well with any sides you want to have.

How to Serve It:

Serve the chicken hot from the oven with mashed potatoes, rice or noodles. Broccoli, green beans or peas would go well with this easy chicken recipe.

Can You Make It Ahead?

You can prepare the sauce ahead, apply it to the chicken and then bake it later in the day.

Ingredients:

• Chicken thighs
• Dry French onion soup mix.
• Russian dressing.
• Small jar of apricot preserves.

How to make 4-Ingredient Chicken:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and spray a large cast iron with Pam cooking spray.

Step 2. Using a large bowl, mix together the French onion mix, Russian dressing, and apricot preserves.

Step 3. Using cast iron, place the chicken into the cast iron.

Step 4. Coat with the dressing.

Step 5. Place cast iron into the oven and bake for 75-85 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.

With just 4 different ingredients, all of which are easy to source, you can make this classic chicken dish. Apricot preserves pair up with Russian dressing and French onion soup mix to add a wealth of flavor to chicken thighs. This easy dish is delicious served with any side dishes you want.

THANKS FOR PINING!

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze it for 3 months. Just ensure it’s fully cooled before freezing and put it in a sealed, freezer-safe Ziploc bag or plastic container. Thaw overnight then reheat in the microwave for a couple of minutes or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until hot in the middle.

Variations and Substitutions:

You can sub chicken breasts or wings for the thighs, another type of tangy dressing for the Russian dressing or peach preserves for the apricot preserves.

More Chicken Recipes

Mom’s Butter Baked Chicken – Tender, super juicy chicken in every bite.

Chicken Carbonara – Better than dining at a restaurant.

Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach – This is some of the best chicken you’ll taste.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Easy weeknight meal idea.