If you’re a fan of sweet and savory flavors, our Apricot Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for you. This easy weeknight dinner combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce made from apricot preserves and a homemade Catalina dressing. It’s a hassle-free meal that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for family or guests. The warm, sweet, and savory sauce keeps the chicken moist and delicious, making every bite a treat.
For this recipe, we’ve included a simple homemade Catalina dressing that adds a fresh, tangy twist. Made with pantry staples like ketchup, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s a breeze to whip up. Of course, if you’re short on time, store-bought Catalina dressing works just as well. The star of the sauce is the combination of apricot preserves and onion soup mix, which creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
To elevate the dish, we top it with crispy fried onions, adding a delightful crunch and complementing the onion flavor in the sauce. This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
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 topping)
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 and set aside.
- 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 the dried onion soup mix.
- Add apricot preserves to the dressing and whisk until fully combined.
- Place chicken breasts in the casserole dish and pour the apricot-Catalina mixture over them. Bake for 40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and top with crispy fried onions before serving.
Enjoy this sweet and savory Apricot Chicken Casserole as a comforting and satisfying meal!
