Aunt Jennie'S Chicken
A flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a sweet and tangy sauce made from French dressing, preserves, pineapple, and onion soup mix, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast into two thin layers.
- Wet each piece, then dip in bread crumbs.
- Fry in butter or oil until crisp on each side.
- Arrange fried chicken in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the chicken.
- Cover and bake at 350°F until the sauce thickens, about 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Catalina dressing for a few hours before breading. If breadcrumbs are unavailable, crushed crackers can serve as a substitute. To enhance the sweetness, feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves like mango or fig. This recipe is reminiscent of other American recipes that combine sweet and savory elements, such as Mary'S Chicken Delight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the sauce from the pan. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. For a fresh contrast, a side salad or sautéed vegetables would complement the richness of the dish well. Browse more chicken recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of reserved pineapple juice to maintain moisture, then cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Jennie'S Chicken contains roughly 360 calories, with 9g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (18% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 939mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
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 chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative. Just ensure they are skinned and boned, and adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.
What can I substitute for Catalina dressing?
If you don't have Catalina dressing, a mix of French dressing and a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute. You could also try using a homemade vinaigrette for a fresher option.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the day before, store them separately, and then bake them together just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy dinner option.
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).