Sweet and Tangy Russian Chicken

to 8 bone-in chicken thighs

Freshly cracked black pepper and Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper , to taste, optional

bottle of red Russian, Catalina style or any red-based French style dressing

jar of apricot or peach preserves, pepper jelly, pineapple or your favorite jam

packet of dry onion soup mix

Hot, cooked rice