This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is a classic family favorite that’s sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy to make. With just four simple ingredients, tender chicken breasts bake in a flavorful sauce made from Russian dressing, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, this baked chicken recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort.
Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Only 4 simple ingredients
- Easy family dinner
- Sweet and tangy flavor
- Great make-ahead meal
- Minimal prep work
- Perfect served over rice
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken
The Chicken
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Chicken breasts become tender and juicy while absorbing the sweet and savory sauce.
The Sweet and Sour Sauce
1 (8-ounce) bottle Russian salad dressing
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 (10-ounce) jar apricot preserves
The combination of Russian dressing and apricot preserves creates the signature sweet and tangy flavor that makes this recipe so popular.
Equipment We Love for This Recipe
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone basting brush
- Aluminum foil (optional)
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Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe: Easy Baked Apricot Chicken with Russian Dressing
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 8 ounce bottle Russian salad dressing
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- 1 10 ounce jar Apricot preserves
Instructions
- Place chicken in a 9 x 13 baking dish
- Combine salad dressing, soup mix, and preserves
- Pour over chicken breasts
- Bake on 350 for 1 to 1 ½ hours basting occasionally with pan drippings
How to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken
Start by arranging the chicken breasts in a 9 x 13 baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Russian dressing, dry onion soup mix, and apricot preserves until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 to 1½ hours, occasionally spooning the sauce and pan drippings over the chicken as it cooks.
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, serve with extra sauce spooned over the top.
What to Serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken
This sweet and savory chicken pairs beautifully with:
• Company Rice Recipe
• Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
• Spicy Cabbage and Apple Slaw Recipe
• Southern Style Potato Salad Recipe
It’s also delicious served with:
• Steamed white rice
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Dinner rolls
For a complete family dinner, finish the meal with Strawberry Bread Recipe or Pink Lemonade Pie Recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe.
What does Russian dressing taste like?
Russian dressing adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances perfectly with the apricot preserves.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything in the baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is sweet, tangy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With just four ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the perfect recipe for busy families and entertaining alike.
If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.
Enjoy!
McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective
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