🍊 Apricot Russian Chicken: A Sweet & Tangy Weeknight Wonder

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,800 fans)
📸 900+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There are some dishes that just wrap you in a warm hug, and our Apricot Russian Chicken is absolutely one of them. Imagine tender, juicy chicken, bathed in a shimmering, glossy sauce that perfectly balances sweet apricot with a savory, tangy depth. Each bite is a symphony of flavors – the bright burst of fruit against the richness of the chicken, all brought together by that uniquely zesty Russian dressing. It’s a dish that feels special enough for a cozy Sunday dinner, yet is unbelievably simple to pull together on even the busiest weeknight. Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, it’s comfort food that truly delivers on taste and ease.

Recipe Card will be inserted here

Quick Glance

* ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
* 🍽️ Servings: 4-6
* 💥 Vibe: Tangy, Sweet, Comforting

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Apricot Russian Chicken
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary magic! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items you might already have in your pantry, making it a truly fuss-free meal. You’ll love how easily these humble components transform into something so incredibly delicious.

• 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5-2 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (10-12 ounce) jar apricot preserves
• 1 (8 ounce) bottle Russian dressing
• 1 (1 ounce) packet dry onion soup mix
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Apricot Russian Chicken

Let’s get cooking! This dish is incredibly forgiving and comes together with minimal effort, promising maximum flavor payoff. Follow these simple steps and get ready to enjoy a truly delightful meal.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor! Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, Russian dressing, dry onion soup mix, and water or chicken broth until well combined and smooth.
5. Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the seared chicken thighs in the baking dish, making sure each piece is coated in that glorious mixture.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken wonderfully tender.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

Part of the joy of cooking is experimenting! This Apricot Russian Chicken is wonderful on its own, but here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours or to round out your meal.

• Pineapple Power: For an extra tropical twist, swap out half of the apricot preserves for pineapple preserves. The added sweetness and tang are delightful!
• Veggie Boost: Add some chopped bell peppers, onions, or even some baby carrots to the baking dish alongside the chicken for a full meal in one pan.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha in the sauce mixture will add a lovely warmth for those who like a bit of heat.
• Serve it Up: This chicken is fantastic over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness.
• Sandwich Slayer: Shred any leftover chicken and pile it onto soft rolls for an incredible weeknight sandwich!

Reviews

Our readers can’t get enough of this easy, flavorful dish! Here’s what some fans are saying:

Jenifer L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I made this last night and my husband practically licked the plate clean! So incredibly easy and the flavor is out of this world. Definitely adding this to our regular rotation!”

Tash T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m usually intimidated by cooking chicken, but this recipe was foolproof. The sauce is just incredible – sweet, tangy, and so savory. Thank you for this gem!”

Sidney P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My kids, who are notoriously picky, devoured this! The apricot sweetness really won them over. A true family favorite now!”

FAQ

Have a few questions bubbling up? We’ve got answers to help make your Apricot Russian Chicken perfect every time.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks work beautifully. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

Q: What if I don’t have Russian dressing? Can I use French dressing?
A: Russian dressing gives this dish its signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor. French dressing is similar but typically sweeter. While you could substitute it, the flavor profile will be a bit different. For the authentic taste, we recommend sticking to Russian dressing.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, pour the sauce over the chicken and bake as directed. Leftovers also reheat wonderfully!

Q: How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
A: Cooked Apricot Russian Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s fantastic for meal prepping!

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about a recipe that brings so much joy with so little fuss. Our Apricot Russian Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather, to savor, and to create beautiful memories around the table. The way the flavors meld together, the inviting aroma filling your kitchen – it’s a testament to the simple pleasures of home cooking. We hope this dish brings as much warmth and delight to your home as it does to ours. Dive in, get cooking, and let this sweet and savory marvel become a cherished part of your family’s mealtime traditions!

Recipe Note

For an extra glossy, caramelized sauce, once the chicken is cooked through, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes on low, keeping a very close eye on it to prevent burning. This will thicken the sauce slightly and give it a beautiful finish!