Memorial Day Weekend Secret: Just 3 ingredients. Throw it in the oven and forget about it until it’s done

This is the kind of Memorial Day weekend recipe I lean on when the house is full, the grill is already busy, and I still want something cozy and special on the table. With just three ingredients and almost no hands-on time, this glossy amber bake comes out of the oven bubbling and caramelized around the edges, like you worked much harder than you did.

It’s inspired by the old Midwestern “dump-and-bake” casseroles a lot of us grew up with—everything goes into one glass dish, then you slide it in the oven and forget about it until the top is browned and the sauce is thick and shiny.

Serve these sticky, glossy chicken thighs with simple sides that soak up all that savory amber sauce: buttered rice or mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even a hunk of crusty bread. A crisp green salad, coleslaw, or steamed green beans balance the richness, and corn on the cob fits right in for Memorial Day.

If you’re grilling burgers or brats outside, this can quietly roast in the oven and be your “secret” extra main dish that everyone spoons into, right out of the glass casserole dish.

3-Ingredient Memorial Day Amber Chicken Bake

Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 to 2 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 cup honey barbecue sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

Directions