Old Fashioned Oven Baked Glazed Chicken

This easy 4-ingredient baked chicken recipe brings old-fashioned comfort food to your dinner table with minimal effort. Made with bone-in chicken, ketchup, cola, and dry onion soup mix, this nostalgic oven-baked chicken develops a rich, sweet-and-savory glaze as it cooks. The sauce thickens in the baking dish, coating every piece of chicken with plenty of delicious flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, or a budget-friendly comfort food meal, this simple baked chicken recipe requires just a few pantry staples and lets the oven do most of the work. Prepare it ahead of time, slide it into the oven, and enjoy a hearty homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Serve this old-fashioned glazed chicken over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce. Add green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh cabbage slaw for a complete family meal.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup cola
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish and arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer.
2. Prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, cola, and dry onion soup mix until thoroughly combined.
3. Coat the chicken. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
4. Bake until tender. Bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, spoon the glaze over the chicken, and continue baking for another 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part, away from the bone.
5. Rest and serve. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes. Spoon the thick, glossy sauce over each serving and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.

Benefits of This Easy Baked Chicken Recipe

• Only 4 ingredients: A simple recipe made with easy-to-find supermarket staples.
• Minimal preparation: Mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let the oven handle most of the cooking.
• Budget-friendly dinner: Bone-in chicken and pantry ingredients make this a practical option for feeding a family.
• Sweet and savory flavor: Ketchup, cola, and onion soup mix combine to create a rich, tangy glaze.
• Perfect for meal planning: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
• Easy family dinner: Serve it with rice, potatoes, noodles, or vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Glazed Chicken

• Choose bone-in chicken: Thighs and drumsticks work especially well because they tend to remain juicy during baking.
• Adjust the sweetness: Use regular cola for a sweeter glaze or diet cola if preferred, keeping in mind that the sauce may have a slightly different consistency.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for several hours before baking. Keep raw chicken refrigerated and avoid leaving it at room temperature.
• Check doneness carefully: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time can vary depending on the size and cut of the pieces.
• Serve with the sauce: Spoon the pan glaze over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for extra flavor.

What to Serve with Old-Fashioned Glazed Chicken

Pair this easy oven-baked chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, buttered egg noodles, roasted carrots, green beans, peas, or warm dinner rolls. These classic sides complement the sweet-and-savory glaze and make the meal even more satisfying.