Too Easy Sweet And Sour Chicken
A quick and flavorful sweet and sour chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a tangy honey-infused sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a 13 x 9-inch pan and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix Russian dressing with honey, apricot preserves, and dry onion soup mix.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the pan.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F (175°C).
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the Russian dressing with honey for a sweet barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce. You can also use peach preserves if you don't have apricot on hand. Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking, and consider marinating them in the sauce for an hour before baking to enhance the flavor further. This recipe is a great way to explore different sweet and sour chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a crisp salad to balance the sweetness. For added crunch, consider topping with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions. You can also explore other American recipes to find complementary sides that enhance the meal.
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 and cover with foil; heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave in short intervals until hot, but the oven helps retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Too Easy Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 237 calories, with 7g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1190mg per serving (52% 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 it's best to thaw them before cooking to ensure even baking. If you're short on time, you can cook them from frozen, but increase the baking time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What can I substitute for apricot preserves?
If you don't have apricot preserves, peach or mango preserves can work well as alternatives. Honey can also be blended with a bit of sugar if you want a sweeter sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may slightly change depending on the substitute used.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in the pan with the chicken and sauce before baking, and adjust the baking time slightly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
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).