The recipe often called “3-Ingredient Chicken” or “Church Supper Chicken” has a few regional variations. Two of the most common are:
Version 1: BBQ Sauce + Lemon-Lime Soda
This is the version that has become especially popular online.
Ingredients
- 3–3½ lb bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well)
- 1 (16 oz) bottle barbecue sauce
- 1 (12 oz) can lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP, not diet)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the barbecue sauce and soda until combined.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, basting once or twice if desired, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and the sauce has thickened into a sticky glaze. (Home Remedies Easy)
Serve with: mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, green beans, or corn.
Version 2: Brown Sugar + Soy Sauce
This older church cookbook-style variation has a sweet-and-savory glaze.
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the chicken skin-side up in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the soy sauce around and over the chicken.
- Bake for 60–75 minutes, basting once or twice, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized. (All Recipes)
Both recipes are known for their minimal prep and crowd-friendly flavor, making them favorites for potlucks and church suppers. If you’re looking for the classic nostalgic version most people are referring to today, the BBQ sauce + lemon-lime soda recipe is the one that’s currently most widely shared.
