Aunt Pat'S Chicken
A sweet and tangy baked chicken dish featuring apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and tender chicken pieces, perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chicken pieces.
- Combine apricot preserves (or orange marmalade), Russian dressing, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Add chicken to the sauce, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Place the coated chicken in a casserole or oblong baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
- Before baking, mix the chicken and sauce together.
- Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove from oven, transfer to a serving platter, and pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting peach preserves for the apricot or orange marmalade for added sweetness. If you're short on time, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours instead of overnight. To ensure even cooking, cut the chicken into uniform pieces, and feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the baking dish for extra flavor and nutrition. This dish pairs well with rice or a green salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Pat's Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Pair it with crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce. This dish is excellent for family gatherings and can be complemented with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. For more comforting ideas, check out American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they're covered to keep moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Pat'S Chicken contains roughly 101 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% 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 breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the chicken overnight?
While refrigerating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, you can marinate it for at least 2 hours if you're short on time. Just keep in mind that overnight marination enhances the taste.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.
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).