Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Tavern

This 3-ingredient baked chicken casserole is the perfect example of old-fashioned comfort food done simply. Bone-in, skin-on chicken is baked with dry onion soup mix and cream of chicken soup, creating tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, savory onion gravy.

With just 3 ingredients, this easy oven-baked chicken recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, church suppers, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly meal with minimal preparation. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles so every drop of the delicious gravy gets put to good use.

Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Chicken Recipe

• Only 3 main ingredients: Simple pantry staples make this recipe incredibly convenient.
• Easy preparation: There is very little chopping, mixing, or prep work involved.
• Tender and flavorful: Bone-in chicken stays juicy while the creamy onion mixture creates a deeply savory sauce.
• Budget-friendly: Chicken thighs and drumsticks are economical cuts that work beautifully in casseroles.
• Perfect comfort food: The rich gravy and golden-brown chicken make this a satisfying family dinner.
• Great for gatherings: The recipe serves about 6 and works especially well for potlucks and casual entertaining.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything bakes together in one casserole dish.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
• 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, 10½ ounces

How to Make 3-Ingredient Chicken Tavern

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or large casserole dish.

2. Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in the baking dish in a single layer, keeping the skin side facing upward whenever possible.

3. Make the Onion Gravy

In a medium bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix and condensed cream of chicken soup. Stir until evenly blended.

Spread the mixture over the chicken, covering the pieces as evenly as possible.

4. Bake Covered

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 45 minutes.

5. Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25–35 minutes, or until the chicken is tender, nicely browned, and reaches an internal temperature of 175°F in the thickest portions.

6. Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Spoon the rich onion gravy generously over each piece of chicken.

Best Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in thighs and drumsticks remain especially moist during baking and add plenty of flavor to the gravy.

Don’t skip the covered baking time: Covering the casserole initially helps the chicken cook gently and keeps the meat juicy.

Thin the sauce if necessary: If your condensed soup mixture is too thick to spread, stir in 2–4 tablespoons of water before coating the chicken.

Get a golden-brown finish: For extra browning, place the casserole under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Let it rest: A short resting period allows the juices and gravy to settle before serving.

What to Serve With Chicken Tavern

This easy baked chicken is especially delicious with sides that can soak up the savory gravy.

Try serving it with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• White or brown rice
• Green beans
• Sweet corn
• Roasted vegetables
• Crisp green salad
• Soft dinner rolls

Easy Variations

All-Thigh Chicken

For the juiciest version, replace the drumsticks with additional bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.

Extra Gravy

If you love plenty of sauce, prepare a little extra cream-of-chicken mixture separately and serve it alongside the chicken.

Potluck Version

This chicken casserole is excellent for a family gathering or potluck. Keep it loosely covered after baking and spoon the pan gravy over the chicken just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes. Boneless chicken can work, but it will generally cook faster than bone-in pieces. Begin checking the internal temperature earlier to avoid overcooking.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks are recommended because they tend to stay more tender and flavorful during the longer baking time.

Can I make this chicken ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the chicken, allow it to cool properly, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat gently with some of the gravy to help keep the chicken moist.

What temperature should chicken reach?

For food safety, chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) internally. For these bone-in pieces, cooking to around 175°F can produce a particularly tender result.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 70–80 minutes
Resting Time: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: About 1½ hours
Servings: 6
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Method: Oven-Baked

This easy 3-ingredient chicken casserole proves that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make a memorable dinner. Tender chicken, creamy onion gravy, and a simple baking method come together for a comforting meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight and hearty enough for a family gathering.