Great Chicken
Great Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a tangy, sweet sauce made from Russian dressing, cranberries, and onion soup mix. Its savory and slightly tart profile makes it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the Russian dressing, whole cranberries, and dry onion soup mix.
- Pour the mixture over 8 to 10 boneless chicken breasts.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Serve the chicken over rice.
- The sauce will make a nice gravy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a tangier flavor, consider using a zesty Italian dressing instead of Russian dressing. If you want to reduce calories, opt for a low-fat version of the dressing. You can also add in some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, to enhance the dish's nutrition and texture. For a touch of sweetness, a tablespoon of honey can be mixed in with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pairs beautifully with rice, as the sauce makes a delightful gravy to soak into the grains. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also consider serving with Easy Peach Jam on the side for a refreshing contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, ensuring not to overheat to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Chicken contains roughly 111 calories, with 0g protein, 28g 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, they will need to be thawed before cooking for even cooking and to ensure the sauce adheres properly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
What can I substitute for dry onion soup mix?
If you don't have dry onion soup mix, you can create your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of beef or vegetable bouillon granules. This mixture will give a similar flavor profile to the dish.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this dish in a slow cooker, combine the sauce ingredients over the chicken in the cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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).