Sweet-Sour Chicken And Rice

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Sweet-sour chicken with apricot glaze served alongside flavorful rice, offering a delightful combination of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut up and skinned
  • 1 jar apricot marmalade
  • 1 package Lipton onion soup mix
  • 1 jar Russian salad dressing
  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 3 chicken bouillon cubes
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in a deep baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken.
  3. Pour Russian salad dressing over the soup mix.
  4. Spoon apricot marmalade over the Russian dressing.
  5. Cover with foil and bake at 325° to 350° F for 40 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and continue baking for another 20 to 30 minutes until chicken is cooked and glazed.
  7. Prepare rice with water and chicken bouillon cubes as directed.
  8. Serve the chicken on a warm platter with rice and gravy on the side.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce. If you don’t have apricot marmalade, peach or orange marmalade can work as a substitute. To enhance the dish, add diced bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra sweetness and texture. Make sure to baste the chicken occasionally while baking for a more even glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sweet-sour chicken alongside fluffy rice for a complete meal. You can drizzle the delicious glaze over the rice to enhance the flavors. For added crunch, consider a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad. This dish pairs beautifully with Izzie'S Potatoes for a heartier meal option.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet-Sour Chicken And Rice contains roughly 1571 calories, with 12g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1571 kcal 79% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.4g 25% DV
Total Fat 124.6g 100% DV
Carbs 109g 40% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 56g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 368.3mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 15.2mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22.7mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 17.5mg 19% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 63.1mg 5% DV
Iron 2.4mg 14% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but be mindful of cooking times as they may vary. Boneless pieces will cook faster, so check for doneness after about 25-30 minutes of baking to prevent drying out.

What can I substitute for Russian salad dressing?

If you don't have Russian salad dressing, a mixture of equal parts mayonnaise, ketchup, and a dash of vinegar can create a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use a creamy Italian dressing for a different twist on the dish.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even tastier dish when 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).

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