Chicken For Company
A flavorful baked chicken dish with apricot preserves, mandarin oranges, and savory onion soup, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests seeking a sweet and savory meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a baking pan and place the chicken breast halves in the pan as the bottom layer.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the chicken.
- Mix the dry onion soup with salad dressing and pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Spread apricot preserves evenly over the top layer of chicken.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 60 minutes.
- During the last 10 minutes of baking, add a layer of mandarin oranges on top.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For an easy twist, substitute the apricot preserves with other fruit preserves like peach or raspberry for a different flavor. If you don’t have dry onion soup, finely chopped onion or shallots can work too. To enhance the dish further, consider adding a splash of soy sauce for depth or even a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with steamed rice or a side salad to balance the flavors. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. This meal pairs beautifully with Chunky Chicken Casserole for a comforting dinner spread, or simply enjoy it with a light white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps retain moisture and prevents drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken For Company contains roughly 170 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% 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 other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breast halves. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as darker meat may require a bit longer to cook through. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just add the mandarin oranges during the last few minutes of baking when you're ready to cook. This makes it a great option for entertaining.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
Consider pairing it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. You might also serve it with roasted asparagus or green beans to add some freshness. This recipe works well with various sides, allowing for flexibility in your meal planning.
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).