Oven Chicken Breast
Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts coated with a sweet and tangy apricot glaze, flavored with onion soup mix and Catalina dressing, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the onion soup mix, Catalina dressing, and apricot preserves in a bowl.
- Place the chicken breasts in a pan lined with Reynolds Wrap or similar aluminum foil.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have Catalina dressing, a mix of Italian dressing and a bit of honey can work as a substitute. To ensure even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar size. For a twist, try adding crushed pineapple to the sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the oven-baked chicken breasts with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Cream Chicken Breasts With French Onion Rice for a comforting side. For a hearty option, consider mashed potatoes or garlic bread. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the chicken with foil in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power, checking every minute to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Chicken Breast contains roughly 321 calories, with 19g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 918mg per serving (40% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will need to be thawed before cooking. It's best to defrost them in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave's defrost setting. Adjust the cooking time if needed, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What can I do if I don't have apricot preserves?
If you don't have apricot preserves, you can substitute with peach preserves or even orange marmalade for a similar sweet and fruity flavor. Alternatively, a mix of honey and a splash of orange juice can create a homemade version that works well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the marinade. You could also serve the chicken with a spicy dipping sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the pan before baking for an extra kick.
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).