Chicken Fantastic
Juicy chicken breasts coated with a sweet and tangy apricot and onion soup mixture, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that appeals to family and entertaining alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the dry onion soup, apricot preserves, and Russian salad dressing in a bowl.
- Arrange the chicken breasts or pieces in a 12 x 7-inch glass baking dish.
- Brush the chicken with oil and sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover the dish with waxed paper.
- Microwave on High for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover again with waxed paper and microwave on Medium-high for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful sauce, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of garlic powder to the mixture. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, use peach preserves instead of apricot. To ensure even cooking, make sure the chicken breasts are of similar size or pound them to an even thickness. This recipe is also adaptable; you can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Fantastic over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Barley Pilaff for a hearty side. For a refreshing contrast, consider a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. This dish is also great for meal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Fantastic can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Fantastic contains roughly 287 calories, with 9g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Microwave on High for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. It's always best to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
What can I substitute for Russian salad dressing?
If you can't find Russian salad dressing, you can mix equal parts of mayonnaise and ketchup with a splash of vinegar for a quick substitute. Alternatively, a mix of Italian dressing and a little bit of honey can work, maintaining the sweet and tangy profile of the original recipe.
Is it possible to cook this recipe in the oven instead of the microwave?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the chicken covered with foil for about 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked. This method will give the chicken a different texture, making it slightly crispier while still retaining moisture from the sauce.
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).