Apricot Chicken With Rice
A savory baked chicken and rice dish featuring sweet apricot preserves, flavorful onion soup mix, and a tangy salad dressing, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put uncooked rice in the bottom of a 10 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix dry onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and salad dressing to create a mixture.
- Using half of this mixture, stir in 2 1/2 cups water.
- Pour the rice and water mixture over the rice in the casserole dish.
- Place chicken breasts on top of the rice.
- Brush the chicken with the remaining salad dressing mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using peach preserves instead of apricot for a different flavor profile. If you prefer, brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before placing them on the rice for added depth. Make sure to use a high-quality onion soup mix, as it can significantly enhance the overall taste. This dish is a great example of American recipes that balance convenience with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Apricot Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the dish's sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine for a more elegant dinner. If you're looking for more comforting options, consider browsing more Chicken recipes like Cheeseburger And Tater Tot Casserole for a fun twist on family meals.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Apricot Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Chicken With Rice contains roughly 14 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of Uncle Ben rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require more water and a longer cooking time. Generally, brown rice needs about twice the amount of water and will take around 45 minutes to cook. Adjust the liquid accordingly to ensure the dish turns out well.
What can I use if I don't have onion soup mix?
If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can create a substitute by combining 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This will mimic the flavor profile of the soup mix and work well in the recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and cover it tightly with foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).