Nixon Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nixon Chicken is a savory, retro-style dish named after President Richard Nixon. This comforting baked chicken recipe features a tangy-sweet glaze made from a unique blend of apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and onion soup mix. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering flavor with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)apricot preservesRussian dressingdry onion soup mixsalt and pepper (to taste)cooking spray or oil (for greasing the baking dish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the dish and season lightly with salt and pepper.

In a bowl, mix together the apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and onion soup mix until well combined.

Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.

Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and slightly caramelized.

Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4-6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 50-60 minutesTotal time: 60-70 minutes

Variations

Use peach preserves or orange marmalade for a different fruit flavor.

Substitute Catalina or French dressing if Russian dressing is unavailable.

Add chopped onions or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.

Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking.

Serve over rice, couscous, or egg noodles to soak up the sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.For freezing, store in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is Russian dressing?

It’s a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and spices. It’s key to the dish’s flavor.

Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts?

Yes, but adjust the baking time to prevent drying—around 30-40 minutes should suffice.

Is this dish spicy?

No, it has a sweet and tangy profile, not spicy. You can add a dash of hot sauce if you like heat.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.

Why is it called Nixon Chicken?

It’s rumored to be a favorite during Nixon-era potlucks and popularized in 70s home cooking, though there’s no official presidential connection.

Can I use fresh onions instead of soup mix?

Yes, but you’ll need to season more and may miss the classic flavor of the original recipe.

What side dishes go well with this?

Steamed rice, green beans, or a crisp salad pair beautifully.

Can I reduce the sugar content?

Use a lower-sugar preserve and a lighter dressing if desired.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, assemble the dish up to a day in advance and bake when ready.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely—kids love the sweetness of the sauce.

Conclusion

Nixon Chicken is a nostalgic, flavor-packed dish that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to please. Its sweet and tangy glaze transforms ordinary chicken into something special, making it a go-to recipe for busy families and retro recipe lovers alike. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of culinary history.

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