If you’ve never experienced the flavorful magic of chicken French dressing, you’re in for a delicious surprise. This retro-style baked chicken recipe is as easy as it is satisfying tender chicken breasts or thighs coated in a sweet and tangy French dressing sauce that caramelizes as it bakes. It’s a dish that feels nostalgic yet totally modern, with bold flavors that make it unforgettable.
I first had this dish at a church potluck when I was just a kid. One bite and I was hooked. My aunt leaned over and whispered, “It’s just chicken, French dressing, and a few secrets.” That memory stuck with me, and now, I make this chicken French dressing recipe at least once a month. It’s quick, affordable, and delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken French Dressing
There are countless reasons to love this chicken French dressing recipe:
- Made with 3–5 ingredients easy pantry staples
- Sweet, savory, and tangy in perfect balance
- Great for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays
- Kids love it, adults crave it
- Oven-baked to juicy perfection with minimal effort
It’s a recipe that rivals comfort favorites like this ooey gooey chicken bake, with its own sweet-sauced twist.
Pure Comfort
There’s something incredibly comforting about the sticky, saucy finish of chicken French dressing. The flavors sink into the meat, creating a tender and juicy bite every time. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel taken care of, and smells that fill the kitchen with warmth and home.
Ingredients for Chicken French Dressing
Here’s all you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup French dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves or peach jam (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For best results, use a good-quality dressing and don’t skip the onion soup mix it adds that savory depth.
What You Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
- Basting brush (optional)
Time to Cook Chicken French Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Steps to Make It
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Arrange Chicken
Place chicken breasts or thighs in the baking dish in a single layer. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the French dressing, onion soup mix, and apricot preserves (if using).
Step 4: Pour and Coat
Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Use a spoon or brush to spread evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Make It Perfect
For the juiciest chicken French dressing, use thighs instead of breasts they’re more forgiving and soak up flavor beautifully. Want extra depth? Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the dressing mix.
Check out this garlic butter divorce chicken if you’re craving even more saucy, bold-flavored chicken inspiration.
Mix It Up
This recipe is endlessly customizable:
- Substitute Russian or Catalina dressing for a spicier kick
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang
- Mix in whole grain mustard or Dijon for complexity
- Add sliced onions or bell peppers for texture
Perfect Partners
This sweet-savory chicken pairs beautifully with:
- White or brown rice
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Buttery corn on the cob
- A crisp garden salad
Or try bold side dishes like those from our spicy honey chicken post to add heat contrast.
Busy Day Hero
Only got 5 minutes? No problem. Mix your sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let the oven do the rest. You can even prep it the night before and store it covered in the fridge.
Looking for more easy wins? Don’t miss this easy weeknight dinner with ranch chicken and veggies.
Work Ahead
You can absolutely prep this chicken French dressing in advance:
- Marinate the chicken overnight in the dressing mix
- Refrigerate in the baking dish
- Bake the next day as instructed
This makes dinner practically effortless when you’re short on time.
Save Some For Later
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months great for meal prep
Everyone’s Happy
This dish is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s gluten-free (check your soup mix), dairy-free, and easily adaptable. Want a low-sugar version? Skip the jam and use a sugar-free dressing.
Good For You Too
While this isn’t diet food, it’s packed with lean protein and can be made lighter by using low-fat dressing. Serve with roasted veggies or a quinoa salad to round out a wholesome plate.
Easy Clean Up
Only one dish to bake, one bowl to mix, and no fancy tools required. Line your baking dish with foil or parchment for even faster cleanup.
Switch It Up
Try these fun twists on the classic chicken French dressing:
- Slice and serve in wraps or sandwiches
- Shred the chicken and toss it with pasta
- Add pineapple chunks before baking for a tropical vibe
- Use as a pizza topping over flatbread with mozzarella
Simply Perfect
Sometimes the best recipes are the easiest. This chicken French dressing recipe hits all the right notes with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need to overcomplicate dinner to make it memorable.
FAQs for Chicken French Dressing
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes.
Is apricot jam necessary?
No, but it adds a nice sweetness. Peach, pineapple, or orange marmalade work too.
Can I use homemade French dressing?
Absolutely go for it if you have a go-to recipe.
Can I grill this instead of baking?
You can, but the sauce may burn due to the sugar content. Bake for best results.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4–6 hours. The sauce won’t caramelize as much, but the flavor will still shine.
Conclusion for Chicken French Dressing
When you need something quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this chicken French dressing recipe always delivers. It’s sweet, savory, juicy, and incredibly easy ideal for everything from busy weeknights to laid-back weekend meals. Add it to your rotation, and you’ll see why it’s been a family favorite for generations.
Try more cozy dishes like the ooey gooey chicken bake or the bold spicy honey chicken next time you’re craving comfort food that hits all the right notes.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Chicken and French Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sweet, tangy, and oven-baked to perfection, this chicken French dressing recipe features French dressing, onion soup mix, and juicy chicken for a fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup French dressing
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup apricot preserves (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Place chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer and season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix French dressing, onion soup mix, and apricot preserves until combined.
Pour the mixture over the chicken, coating it evenly.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute peach jam or orange marmalade for the apricot preserves. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results. For extra flavor, add garlic powder or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the dressing mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg