No Fuss Chicken
A quick and flavorful baked chicken dish featuring a savory combination of Russian or Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine dressing, preserves, and soup mix.
- Place chicken breasts in two ungreased 11 x 7 x 2-inch pans.
- Top the chicken with the dressing mixture.
- Cover the pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Baste the chicken with the pan juices.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra zing, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce mixture. If you're out of apricot preserves, peach or orange marmalade works well as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or when preparing for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad make excellent side dishes. For a comforting meal, pair it with Oven Scalloped Potatoes for a satisfying combination that will please the whole family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Fuss Chicken contains roughly 236 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 878mg per serving (38% 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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken if you prefer, but it may increase the cooking time slightly. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Skin-on chicken will also add extra flavor and richness to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour the dressing mixture over, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method will yield tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned previously.
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).