Chicken Apricot
Chicken Apricot offers a delightful blend of savory chicken with sweet apricot preserves and tangy Russian dressing, creating a comforting dish with a balance of flavors. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, oven-baked meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken in a shallow baking dish, skin side down.
- Combine water, dry onion soup, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing to make the sauce.
- Spread half of the sauce on the chicken.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 minutes.
- Turn the chicken over and add the remaining sauce.
- Continue baking for an additional 50 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Can be frozen or prepared in advance.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken pieces instead of breasts, as they tend to stay juicier during baking. If you don’t have Russian dressing, a mix of ketchup and mayonnaise can serve as a substitute. For a spicier kick, add a splash of hot sauce to the apricot preserves. This dish is similar to Chicken Breast A La Mary, which also features a sweet glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with fluffy rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed broccoli makes for a perfect side. This chicken pairs beautifully with Baked Chicken In Wine Sauce, offering a delightful contrast of flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread to mop up the remaining sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in the sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Apricot contains roughly 232 calories, with 3g protein, 57g 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but be aware that cooking times may vary. Boneless chicken breasts usually cook faster, so check for doneness after the initial 25 minutes and adjust as needed. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for apricot preserves?
If apricot preserves aren't available, you can use peach or mango preserves as a substitute. Additionally, a homemade mixture of pureed dried apricots and a bit of sugar can create a similar sweetness and texture. Just ensure that the consistency of the sauce remains thick enough to coat the chicken.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Chicken Apricot recipe is great for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in individual portions. Just make sure to let it cool before refrigerating or freezing. Reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy the flavors at their best.
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).