Glazed Chicken is a retro dinner classic that gained popularity in mid-20th century American kitchens for its simplicity and bold sweet-savory flavor. This dish combines pantry staples—Russian dressing, apricot preserves (or orange marmalade), and onion soup mix, to create a glossy, tangy glaze over tender baked chicken. The recipe is prized for its minimal prep and rich flavor payoff, making it a go-to weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Served with rice or roasted vegetables, it delivers both comfort and nostalgia.
Ingredients
- 1 fryer chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
- 8 oz Russian dressing
- 1 cup apricot preserves (or orange marmalade)
- 1 oz dry onion soup mix
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare Glaze
- In a medium bowl, combine Russian dressing, apricot preserves (or marmalade), and onion soup mix. Mix until fully blended.
Step 3: Arrange Chicken
- Place chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish.
Step 4: Add Glaze
- Pour glaze mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 1 to 1½ hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender, and the glaze is thickened and caramelized.
Tips
- Use orange marmalade for a brighter citrus glaze
- Apricot preserves give a richer, sweeter finish
- Place chicken on a rack to allow excess fat to drip away
- Spoon pan juices over chicken halfway through baking
- Add garlic powder for deeper savory flavor
- Finish under the broiler for extra caramelization
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes to absorb the glaze
- Leftovers make excellent sandwiches
- Works well with chicken quarters if fryer chicken isn’t available
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 33gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 910mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.5mg
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