Chicken Polynesian
Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are coated in a sweet and savory sauce of onion soup mix and apricot preserves, perfect for a family-friendly, flavorful meal served with rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in a pan.
- Mix onion soup mix, preserves, and French dressing well.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve with rice and use the sweet and sour gravy over rice and chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some soy sauce or ginger to the sauce mixture. You can also substitute the apricot preserves with peach or mango preserves for a different fruit flavor. If you're short on time, using the oven's broil function for the last few minutes can help achieve a nice caramelized finish. This recipe is similar in ease to other American recipes, making it a great weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or quinoa, allowing the sweet and sour gravy to soak in. You might also consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, serve with mashed potatoes akin to those found in recipes like Easy Potato Bake or Please The Crowd Potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with some of the gravy and cover it with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Polynesian contains roughly 474 calories, with 12g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you use frozen chicken, increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes to ensure it's fully cooked.
What can I substitute for the Lipton onion soup mix?
If you don't have Lipton onion soup mix, you can create a homemade version by mixing dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and beef bouillon granules. This will give a similar flavor to your dish.
Can I make Chicken Polynesian in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, place the chicken and sauce mixture in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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).