Apricot Chicken

About This Apricot Chicken Recipe

This Apricot Chicken is an incredibly easy, nostalgic recipe made with just three pantry ingredients. It has that classic ’80s charm: sweet apricot preserves, tangy French dressing, and savory onion soup mix come together to make a sticky, glossy sauce that tastes like an effortless version of orange chicken. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 ingredients

• Takes 5 minutes of active prep

• Sweet, tangy, salty, and comforting

• Nostalgic, retro, and surprisingly delicious

• Bakes hands-off — great for weeknights

• Pairs well with rice and salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken thighs

• Apricot preserves

• French dressing

• Lipton French onion soup mix

How to Make It

Whisk together apricot preserves, French dressing, and onion soup mix. Pour over chicken thighs arranged in a baking dish. Bake until the sauce is caramelized and the chicken is cooked through, about 50–60 minutes. Serve over rice.

Tips for Success

• Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor

• Don’t skimp on the sauce — it thickens beautifully

• Bake uncovered so the sauce caramelizes

• Stir halfway through for even coating (optional)

• Great for meal prep — leftovers reheat well

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce baking time so they don’t dry out.

Is this recipe really sweet?
It’s sweet, tangy, and savory — similar to orange chicken.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but it won’t caramelize. Bake for best texture.

Can I use Russian dressing or Catalina?
Yes — any sweet, tangy red dressing works.

What to Serve With Apricot Chicken

• White or jasmine rice

• Caesar salad

• Roasted broccoli

• Green beans

• Mashed potatoes

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Apricot Chicken “Cobb” Salad

• Chicken & Dumplings

• Chicken Pot Pie

• Elegant Lasagna

• Extra Cheesy Tartiflette

• Lemon Butter Chicken aka Chicken Spiedini

Apricot Chicken Recipe

Ingredients- serves 4-6

• 6 large chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)

• 1 cup apricot preserves

• 1 cup French dressing

• 1 packet Lipton French onion soup mix

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the apricot preserves, French dressing, and onion soup mix.

3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a 9×13 Pyrex baking dish.

4. Pour the apricot mixture over the chicken.

5. Bake 50–60 minutes, until the sauce is glossy and caramelized and the chicken is cooked through.

6. Serve with rice.