Sweet & Savory Apricot Russian Chicken
This easy-to-make Sweet & Savory Apricot Russian Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that has become a family favorite. The combination of luscious Russian salad dressing and sweet apricot jam creates a delightful glaze that pairs beautifully with the tender and juicy chicken thighs. With a touch of savory onion from the soup mix, this dish is perfectly balanced—each bite is sure to please! Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, serve this dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
6
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs or cut-up whole chickens
2-3 lbs (thawed if frozen, skin-on preferred)
salt
to taste (fine or coarse sea salt recommended)
garlic powder
to taste (optional, can be omitted if desired)
dry onion soup mix
1 (1 ounce) envelope (any brand will work)
Russian salad dressing
4 ounces (store-bought or homemade)
apricot jam
4 1/2 ounces (can use other fruit jams if preferred)
water
1/4 cup (tap water or broth for added flavor)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3
Place the chicken thighs or cut-up whole chickens in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
4
Evenly sprinkle the chicken with salt and garlic powder according to your taste preference, ensuring all pieces are well-seasoned.
5
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, Russian salad dressing, apricot jam, and water. Whisk together until smooth and well-blended.
6
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
9
Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the top to caramelize slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
14g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet & Savory Apricot Russian Chicken?
It is a popular baked chicken dish that uses a flavorful glaze made from Russian salad dressing, apricot jam, and dry onion soup mix for a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a cut-up whole chicken are recommended as they stay juicy and flavorful during the long baking process.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be sure to monitor the internal temperature closely as they cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9x13 inch baking dish is ideal for fitting 2-3 lbs of chicken in a single layer.
At what temperature should the chicken be baked?
The chicken should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to cook this dish?
Total baking time is usually between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Should I cover the chicken while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the majority of the cooking time to retain moisture and keep the chicken tender.
How do I get a caramelized top on the chicken?
Remove the aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the apricot glaze to bubble and caramelize.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I substitute Russian dressing with another type?
If Russian dressing is unavailable, French dressing or Catalina dressing are common substitutes that provide a similar profile.
Can I use different types of fruit jam?
While apricot jam is traditional, peach preserves or orange marmalade also work well with this flavor profile.
What can I use instead of water in the sauce?
You can use chicken broth or even a splash of orange juice for additional depth of flavor instead of plain water.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure your dry onion soup mix and Russian dressing are certified gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat-based thickeners.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 6 people.
What side dishes go well with Apricot Russian Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with white or brown rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed green beans to soak up the extra sauce.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, though the skin will not get as crispy as it does in the oven.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this chicken?
Yes, the cooked chicken can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Is the onion soup mix necessary?
The onion soup mix provides the essential savory and salty balance to the sweet jam; if omitted, you should add extra onion powder and salt.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is best to thaw the chicken completely before starting the recipe to ensure even cooking and proper sauce adhesion.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving based on the recipe's nutritional estimate.
Does the recipe require extra salt?
The recipe suggests seasoning to taste, but keep in mind that the onion soup mix already contains a significant amount of sodium.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding garlic powder to taste before pouring the sauce over the chicken.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and mild flavor profile of the apricot jam makes it a very popular choice for families and children.
Can I use chicken drumsticks?
Absolutely! Drumsticks work very well with this glaze and follow the same cooking instructions as thighs.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is a thick, syrupy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully after the water and jam meld together in the oven.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Generously coat your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before adding the chicken pieces.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the sauce ingredients together and store them in the fridge a day ahead of time.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 25g of fat.
Is this a one-pan meal?
While the chicken is cooked in one pan, you will likely want to prepare a side dish separately to complete the meal.