If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations, our Apricot Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for you. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with flavor, thanks to a luscious apricot and onion sauce that keeps the chicken tender and juicy. It’s a hassle-free recipe that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for family or guests.
To elevate this dish, we’ve included a simple homemade Catalina dressing recipe. Made with pantry staples like ketchup, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, it adds a refreshing tang to the casserole. Of course, if time is tight, store-bought dressing works just as well!
The star of this recipe is the sweet and savory sauce, made with apricot preserves and onion soup mix. Pour it over the chicken, bake until golden, and top with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 cup homemade Catalina salad dressing (or store-bought)
- 1 (2 oz) package dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (for garnish)
For the Homemade Catalina Dressing:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup canola or flavorless oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, sugar, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly add canola oil, whisking constantly to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Whisk in dried onion soup mix.
- Add apricot preserves to the dressing and whisk until smooth.
- Place chicken breasts in the casserole dish and pour the apricot-Catalina mixture over them.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and garnish with crispy fried onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
