Easy Apricot Chicken Recipe

Name: Easy Apricot Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: 1 10 fluid ounce bottle Russian-style Salad Dressing; 1 cup Apricot Preserves:; 1½ ounces Dry Onion Soup Mix; 6 Skinless (Boneless Chicken Breast (halves))

Recipe Pin

Chicken has become a staple in most households, and I often find myself experimenting with different chicken recipes and flavor combinations. From creamy sauces to spicy marinades, there are so many ways to turn simple chicken into a satisfying meal.

This time, I decided to pair it with sweet apricot preserves, tangy dressing, and savory onion seasoning, and the result was this delicious Easy Apricot Chicken Recipe. I know what you might be thinking: apricots and chicken? Really? I had the same reaction when I first heard about this combination.

My first instinct was to keep the apricot preserves safely tucked away for toast and breakfast. But curiosity won, and I decided to give this unusual pairing a chance. After all, some of the best recipes begin with a little bit of culinary confusion!

The sweet apricot preserves mingled with the tangy dressing and savory onion seasoning created a glossy sauce that smelled far better than I expected. Thankfully, this experiment didn’t end with me staring suspiciously at the dinner plate.

Check out the equipment, ingredients, and expert tips essential to achieve the perfect flavors right in your kitchen.

Equipment Required

4-quart Casserole Dish: Use it to hold the chicken and sauce while it bakes.
Mixing Bowl: Combine the apricot preserves, Russian-style dressing, and onion soup mix.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Use it to thoroughly combine the sauce ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring preserves and other ingredients.
Instant-Read Thermometer: Use it to check the thickest part of the chicken until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Apricot Chicken Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: This recipe is big enough to serve four. If you want to make more or less, you must adjust the recipe accordingly.

1 (10 fluid ounce) bottle Russian-style Salad Dressing
1 cup Apricot Preserves
1½ ounces Dry Onion Soup Mix
6 Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast (halves)

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Resting Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	1 Hour	25 Minutes	1 Hour 35 Minutes

How To Make Easy Apricot Chicken At Home

Step 1

Take a bowl, add apricot preserves, salad dressing, and dry onion soup mix.

Step 2

Coat the chicken breast fillets with the sauce.

Step 3

Keep it aside for 1 hour.

Step 4

Now put the chicken fillets in the baking tray and bake for 25 minutes at 190 degrees Celsius.

Step 5

Serve with apricot slices and dressing of your choice.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

I would suggest stirring the apricot preserves, dressing, and onion soup mix until completely combined. This prevents concentrated pockets of seasoning or preserves.
Covering the chicken helps it cook gently and keeps the sauce from drying out during the long bake.
The chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) in the center before serving.
Let the chicken rest briefly when it is done because a short rest before serving allows the juices to settle and makes the chicken easier to cut.

FAQs About Easy Apricot Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Since thighs can vary in size and thickness, use the internal temperature rather than the listed cooking time as your guide.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). I also recommend checking that the chicken is no longer pink in the center and that the juices run clear.

Why is my chicken dry?

The most common reason is overcooking. Chicken breasts can dry out when they are baked beyond the temperature needed for safe cooking. Start checking the thickest piece with a thermometer as you approach the end of the cooking time.

Why is my apricot sauce too thick?

The sauce can thicken as it bakes, so if it becomes thicker than you prefer, you can serve it over rice along with the chicken, or loosen it slightly with a small amount of warm water or chicken stock.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

This recipe provides a good amount of protein from the chicken, but the relatively high sugar and sodium content means I would consider it a hearty comfort-food dinner rather than a low-calorie or low-sodium meal. Serving it with vegetables and a moderate portion of rice can make the overall meal more balanced.

Calories	409 kcal
Carbohydrates	58 g
Protein	9 g
Fat	16 g
Saturated Fat	9 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	4 g
Trans Fat	0.5 g
Cholesterol	99 mg
Sodium	350 mg
Potassium	227 mg
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	36 g
Vitamin A	499 IU
Calcium	117 mg
Iron	2 mg

You can choose a lower-sodium dressing and onion soup mix, and use chicken thighs or breasts, depending on your dietary preferences. For a low-carb option, you can serve it with cauliflower rice, brown rice, or extra vegetables instead of white rice.

Recipe Variation For Different Diets

Lower-Sodium: Choose a low-sodium Russian-style dressing and onion soup mix. You can also reduce the amount of soup mix slightly if you prefer a milder seasoning.
Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free version, I would suggest using certified gluten-free Russian-style dressing and onion soup mix, and check the labels of all packaged ingredients before cooking.

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

In the refrigerator: Allow leftover chicken and sauce to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator and use them within a safe food-storage period recommended for cooked chicken.

Reheating

Microwave: Place one serving of chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat until thoroughly warmed. Cover loosely to help retain moisture.
Oven: Place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover, and warm gently until heated through.
Stovetop: Add the chicken and sauce to a covered skillet and warm over low heat. Stir the sauce occasionally so it doesn’t stick.

What To Serve With This Recipe

The sweet and tangy sauce makes Apricot Chicken a natural match for Syrian Rice or Jasmine Rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce and balances the richness of the chicken.

You can also serve it with Steamed Broccoli, Green Beans, Carrots, or roasted vegetables for a colorful and balanced dinner. If you are looking for a lighter option, Cauliflower Rice works beautifully with the fruity sauce.

Printable Version

More Chicken Recipes That You Can Try

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Conclusion

This easy Apricot Chicken is a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors that makes a simple dinner feel a little more special. With tender chicken and a flavorful apricot sauce, it is easy to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight.

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments!

Easy Apricot Chicken Recipe

Equipment Required

Apricot Chicken Ingredients & Substitutions

Preparation And Cooking Time