Baked Apricot Chicken Recipe
Apricot-Glazed Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 cup French dressing
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
- 12 chicken thighs
Directions
Step 1: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the apricot preserves, French dressing, and dry onion soup mix. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Pour the apricot mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure the chicken is well coated.
Step 5: Bake the chicken, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The chicken is ready when an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165F (74C).
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious apricot-glazed chicken thighs!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 342 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 59mg |
| Sodium | 444mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 21g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Vitamin C | 0mg |
| Calcium | 12mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Potassium | 140mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Baked Apricot Chicken is a dish that combines the savory flavor of chicken with the sweet, tangy essence of apricot preserves. It's easy to prepare and has a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a popular choice for family dinners and special occasions alike.
History of Baked Apricot Chicken
The origins of Baked Apricot Chicken are somewhat unclear, but the recipe is believed to have gained popularity in the mid-20th century, especially in American households. The use of apricot preserves and dressing in cooking reflects a trend of experimenting with fruit-based sauces during the 1950s and 1960s. This era saw the rise of convenience cooking, with many home cooks relying on pre-made ingredients like salad dressings and soup mixes to create quick, flavorful meals. Baked Apricot Chicken is a perfect example of this trend, offering a simple yet delicious solution to busy weeknight dinners.
Regional Variations of Baked Apricot Chicken
While Baked Apricot Chicken is widely enjoyed across the United States, regional variations of the dish exist. In the South, for instance, it is common to swap the French dressing for Catalina dressing, which adds a deeper, tangier flavor. Some cooks even opt for Thousand Island dressing, giving the dish a slightly different taste profile with a creamier texture. In other parts of the country, the chicken might be marinated for a longer period or prepared in a slow cooker to intensify the flavors. The use of different types of preserves, such as peach or apricot-ginger blends, is also popular in various regions, giving the dish a local twist.
How Baked Apricot Chicken Differs from Similar Dishes
Baked Apricot Chicken stands out from similar dishes because of its combination of sweet and savory flavors, achieved through the use of apricot preserves, French dressing, and dry onion soup mix. Many chicken recipes use fruit-based glazes, but this particular version is unique due to its simple ingredients and easy preparation. Unlike other dishes that require hours of marinating or complex seasonings, Baked Apricot Chicken is a straightforward recipe that can be prepared in just about an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for home cooks looking for a quick yet delicious meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Where is Baked Apricot Chicken Typically Served?
Baked Apricot Chicken is often served at casual family dinners, but it's also a popular choice for potlucks, barbecues, and holiday gatherings. Its sweet and savory combination pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. The dishs sticky, flavorful sauce also makes it a great option to serve with bread or rolls to soak up the delicious juices. In addition to its regular appearance at home dinners, this recipe is also a common choice for more formal gatherings, as it offers a comforting yet elegant flavor profile that guests will enjoy.
Interesting Facts About Baked Apricot Chicken
- Many people associate Baked Apricot Chicken with the 1970s, a decade known for its innovative yet easy-to-make recipes that often featured pre-packaged ingredients like onion soup mix, salad dressing, and fruit preserves.
- While the dish has remained a favorite in American households for decades, variations of it can also be found in different countries, where apricot or other fruit preserves are used in savory dishes.
- The use of apricot preserves not only adds sweetness but also brings a subtle tartness to the dish, which contrasts beautifully with the richness of the chicken and dressing. The combination of these elements creates a unique flavor that sets this dish apart from other baked chicken recipes.
- In some regions, Baked Apricot Chicken is served at celebrations and family reunions due to its ability to feed a large crowd with minimal effort. Its a crowd-pleaser that requires little preparation, making it ideal for busy hosts.
- Over time, home cooks have modified the recipe to suit different dietary preferences. For example, some people substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs to reduce the fat content, while others swap out the French dressing for a lighter vinaigrette or fat-free option.
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FAQ about Baked Apricot Chicken Recipe
Comments
Raymond Thomas
05/14/2024 08:41:37 PM
Rewritten review: This recipe is absolutely fantastic and incredibly simple to put together. I've prepared it four times already, and I have to say, I find it even more delicious with Catalina dressing instead of French or Italian, which I also tried. I opted for thighs which turned out perfect and more budget-friendly. This dish is definitely a keeper. Thanks for sharing! ***I just made this for the fifth time and even my mom asked for the recipe! TIP: Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, then flip the chicken, baste it with the juices, and return it to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes for a caramelized finish. And trust me, stick to using Catalina dressing over French or Italian.***
George Jackson
01/22/2023 10:11:14 AM
I prepared this dish when we had another couple over for a card game night. I used 4 drumsticks and 4 thighs, and replaced the onion soup mix with 1 cup of chopped onion to reduce the salt and sugar content. I covered it for the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the preserves from burning. We enjoyed it with brown rice and broccoli on the side.
Emily Campbell
06/15/2024 05:27:39 PM
Review Rewritten: I recently tried this classic recipe, and it did not disappoint! I opted for French Dressing this time but might give Italian a shot next time for a change. For the sauce, I used a whole bottle of French dressing, a whole jar of preserves, and Lipton's French Onion Soup Mix, all thoroughly mixed. A time-saving tip I picked up is to freeze half of the sauce for future use. To prepare, I spread the sauce in a large Pyrex dish, placed the chicken skin-side down, almost submerged in the sauce. I baked it for 15 minutes, basting the chicken with the juices halfway through, then repeated the process for another half-hour. After flipping the chicken and cooking for another 15 minutes, I basted it again for extra flavor. Finally, I broiled the chicken for a few minutes to achieve a beautiful caramelization and crispiness. I also included sliced onions and carrots in the baking dish and served the chicken with brown rice and steamed broccoli, drizzling the apricot sauce over everything. If the sauce turns out too runny, a quick fix is to mix some cornstarch with the sauce in a pan, bring it to a boil to thicken it up. Overall, it was a delightful meal that I will surely make again.
George Turner
08/13/2023 07:05:19 AM
The whole family absolutely enjoyed this dish! I decided to use 8 chicken thighs with skin, and I made a few adjustments to cater to my family's preference for crispy skin. After browning the chicken in butter in a skillet, I transferred it to the crockpot for cooking. Once it was done, I took the chicken out and popped it under the broiler for 5-10 minutes to achieve that perfect crispiness. While the chicken was broiling, I thickened the sauce by adding cornstarch over heat. This step is crucial for bringing out the full flavor of the sauce. After thickening, I poured the sauce over the chicken, and it was a hit with everyone. For the next time, I may consider using 2 packets of the soup mix for even more flavor.
Melissa Scott
01/05/2024 02:46:27 PM
I was thrilled to come across this recipe, as my mother used to make this dish often when I was a child. It was very popular in the 1970s! I always adored it but had completely forgotten about it. It tasted just like I remembered (I used French Dressing). I'm looking forward to trying it with Catalina dressing. I didn't have any issues with the sauce sliding off the chicken, but I made sure to pat the chicken pieces dry before coating them with the glaze. I baked the chicken in a 9x13 pan lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray. Cleanup was a breeze – just removed the foil and tossed it away.
Kevin White
04/21/2023 07:03:04 AM
Quick and effortless recipe that turned out surprisingly delicious when I used Creamy French dressing from Aldi. I might try using Catalina dressing next time as suggested by others, and add some fresh herbs for extra brightness. I basted the chicken thighs a few times while cooking and finished it under the broiler for a sticky and slightly crispy glaze. Lining the baking pan with parchment paper made cleanup a breeze, avoiding any stubborn mess. It's a simple dish that appears more elaborate than it actually is. Paired with baked potatoes and steamed broccoli, the family loved it!
Anna Hill
04/21/2024 09:44:50 AM
Incredible Recipe! Extremely simple and absolutely tasty! I used 4 large bone-in chicken breasts with skin for this dish. Marinated them in the sauce for an hour, then placed them on a rimmed sheet pan lined with Reynolds Non-Stick foil. Poured half of the sauce over the chicken before baking according to the instructions. Boiled the remaining sauce for 15 minutes and used it as a dipping sauce while eating. The leftovers were amazing! Warmed the remaining two breasts covered in a casserole dish for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees, and they were almost as delicious as the first time!
Mary Phillips
01/12/2023 01:09:58 AM
I absolutely loved this recipe (although I deducted one star for the modifications I made) and it will definitely become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made a few adjustments to the original recipe. Firstly, following a recommendation from another reviewer, I swapped out the French dressing for Catalina dressing. Secondly, when I was coating the chicken with the mixture, I decided to stuff some of it inside each chicken thigh. It was a bit tricky fitting all 12 thighs into my 8 x 12 baking pan, so I had to roll them up slightly, allowing me to stuff some of the mixture inside. This turned out to be a brilliant move as it really infused the chicken with flavor. Lastly, I reserved about a quarter of the mixture to use as a final glaze. After baking covered for an hour, I uncovered the chicken, coated it with the remaining sauce, and baked it for an additional 15 minutes. I know these were quite a few changes, but they definitely elevated the dish. The chicken turned out incredibly moist and flavorful, so much so that I would even consider serving it to guests.
Nicholas Garcia
12/13/2024 02:53:17 AM
This recipe is a game changer! I opted for chicken breasts and spiced it up a bit. It's a huge hit with my family, the flavor is absolutely amazing. Pairing it with Uncle Ben's wild rice and a seven layer salad - tonight's dinner is going to be fantastic!
Jason Lee
04/12/2024 04:52:37 AM
I absolutely adore this recipe! I start by marinating the chicken in a delightful blend of Portuguese spices for a few minutes before drizzling the dressing on top and popping it in the oven. The result is a burst of spicy flavor that truly elevates the dish.
Jason Moore
11/10/2023 05:09:58 PM
I was given this recipe by my college roommate more than 50 years ago, and I have continued to make it many times since then. The original recipe used Thousand Island dressing, which I still use to this day, and it always receives rave reviews from everyone who tries it.
Sharon Miller
05/06/2025 05:41:31 AM
Simple to prepare, delicious results. I improvised with Thousand Island dressing, and it turned out great. The sauce complemented the stuffing perfectly. This recipe has earned a spot on my "Make it again" list.
Jennifer White
11/26/2023 06:49:33 AM
This dish is absolutely delicious! The broiler gave it a crispy glazed finish that was so satisfying. It paired perfectly with rice. Yum! 🤤🍚