Some nights, you just need a dinner that feels homey but doesn’t demand a pile of dishes or fancy steps. That’s when I reach for this Russian Chicken recipe—a retro classic that’s surprisingly come back into the spotlight.
With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers a bold, tangy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, all in under an hour. This dish combines juicy cubed chicken breast with a sweet-and-savory sauce made from Russian dressing, apricot jam, and onion soup mix.
The result? A glossy, golden glaze that clings to every bite. I usually serve it with a crisp Garden Salad and a glass of cool Lemonade to balance the richness—pure weeknight perfection.
It’s also a hit for meal prep, and here’s the kicker: each serving packs high protein, making it a great choice if you’re watching your macros or cutting back on refined carbs.
According to the CDC, high-protein meals can help manage hunger and support long-term weight balance—yes, even comfort food like this can work for your goals.
The tangy sweetness is unexpected. The clean-up is minimal. The praise at the dinner table? Instant.
If you try it or add your own twist, I’d love to hear how it turns out in the comments!
Why This Recipe Has a Permanent Spot in My Kitchen!
- A Nostalgic Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve enjoyed variations of this dish at family potlucks for years—it brings back warm memories and still manages to wow every time.
- Dinner in Just 10 Minutes of Prep: When I’m short on time but still want something hearty, this is my go-to. Just toss everything in a dish and let the oven do the work.
- Healthier Swaps Still Taste Amazing: I often use sugar-free apricot jam and low-fat Russian dressing—no one in my house even notices the difference!
- Perfect for Next-Day Meals: It tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
- Protein-Packed & Satisfying: Each serving is loaded with over 30 grams of protein, which keeps me full and energized without feeling too heavy.
Russian Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board (if needed for trimming chicken)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 cup Russian salad dressing
- 1 cup apricot jam
- 1 packet onion soup mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and place in a mixing bowl.
- Add salt, pepper, and paprika to season the chicken.
- In the same bowl, mix in Russian salad dressing, apricot jam, and onion soup mix.
- Stir everything until the chicken is well coated.
- Transfer the coated chicken to a greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 444kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Sodium | 852mg |
Smart Kitchen Tips For Russian Chicken!
- Caramelization is key: For deeper flavor, broil the chicken for the last 3–5 minutes of baking. It helps caramelize the sugars in the jam and dressing into a rich, sticky glaze.
- Let the sauce thicken naturally: Don’t rush to remove it from the oven. Giving it that full 50 minutes helps the sauce reduce slightly and cling better to the chicken.
- Marinate if you have time: While this recipe works well as a toss-and-bake, marinating the chicken in the sauce mix for a few hours intensifies the sweet-savory flavor.
- Double the sauce for rice lovers: If you’re serving this over rice or couscous, consider increasing the dressing and jam by ½ cup each—it creates an extra saucy finish that’s perfect for spooning.
- Use a glass or ceramic baking dish: Avoid metal pans if possible. Glass or ceramic helps maintain even cooking and keeps the sugars from scorching at the edges too quickly.
- Chop chicken evenly: Uniform pieces ensure every cube cooks at the same rate and gets evenly coated in that luscious sauce.
