Name: Russian Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup Russian dressing; 1 cup apricot preserves or jam; 1 packet (about 1 oz) dry onion soup mix; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Russian Chicken is a fantastic no-fuss meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The sauce requires only a few pantry staples, and it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a rich glaze over the tender chicken. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and ideal for both casual family meals and make-ahead dinners. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Russian dressing
Apricot preserves or jam
Dry onion soup mix
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes for added flavor

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs in the dish in a single layer.
In a bowl, mix together the Russian dressing, apricot preserves, and dry onion soup mix. Stir until well combined.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices if desired.
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling and slightly caramelized.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Jam Swap: Try using peach, pineapple, or orange marmalade instead of apricot preserves.
Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Add Veggies: Include sliced bell peppers or onions in the baking dish for a built-in side.
Different Proteins: Meatballs instead of chicken for a new twist.
Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free dressing and preserves for a diabetic-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Russian Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes.
You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
To freeze, cool the chicken completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What is Russian dressing made of?

Traditional Russian dressing is a creamy blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and spices. Bottled versions vary but usually have a tangy, zesty flavor.

Can I use Catalina or French dressing instead?

Yes, Catalina or French dressing are common substitutes and offer a similar sweet and tangy profile.

Is this dish very sweet?

It has a balance of sweetness from the preserves and tanginess from the dressing. You can reduce the amount of preserves for a less sweet version.

What sides go well with Russian Chicken?

Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

What cut of chicken is best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving.

Can I make this recipe low-carb?

Use sugar-free preserves and a low-carb version of Russian or French dressing to reduce the sugar content.

Is this a freezer-friendly recipe?

Yes, it freezes very well. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags and reheat as needed.

Can I use fresh onion instead of soup mix?

You can, but the soup mix adds extra seasoning. If using fresh onion, add additional spices for flavor.

Conclusion

Russian Chicken is a nostalgic, easy-to-make dish that brings bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table with hardly any effort. Its sweet and tangy glaze over tender, juicy chicken makes it a timeless favorite the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead, this simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to satisfy.