Favorite Company Chicken
Juicy fried chicken coated in a sweet and tangy apricot and Italian dressing glaze, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if desired.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare for stovetop cooking.
- Arrange the chicken in a baking dish or skillet.
- Bake or cook on the stovetop until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the apricot preserves over the chicken.
- Continue cooking until the preserves are heated and slightly glazed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional sauce or herbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For marinating, consider using a resealable plastic bag for easier coating of the chicken. If you want to add depth to the flavor, try mixing in some garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary. If apricot preserves aren't available, peach or orange marmalade can serve as a great substitute. This dish is similar to Eleanor Hess' Chicken Casserole in its sweet and savory profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a crisp salad. For a delightful twist, consider pairing it with Chicken And Fruit Salad For Two for a fruity contrast. This chicken also works well for meal prep or as a main course for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Company Chicken contains roughly 439 calories, with 4g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 821mg per serving (36% 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 a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, while a whole frying chicken is traditional, you can use chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust cooking time as needed; thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, while breasts will be quicker.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken is recommended for better flavor absorption, but if you're short on time, you can skip this step. The Italian dressing will still impart some flavor during cooking, though marinating enhances the overall taste.
What can I use instead of Italian dressing?
If you don't have Italian dressing on hand, you can make a quick substitute using olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs. This homemade dressing will give a similarly flavorful result while allowing you to control the ingredients.
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).