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, onion soup mix, and a homemade Catalina dressing. It’s a hassle-free meal that’s both comforting and delicious, making it ideal for busy evenings. The warm, sweet, and savory sauce keeps the chicken moist and flavorful as it bakes, ensuring every bite is a delight.
For a touch of freshness, we’ve included a simple homemade Catalina dressing recipe. Made with pantry staples like ketchup, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s a breeze to whip up. However, if time is tight, store-bought dressing works just as well. The star of this dish is the sauce, which gets its unique flavor from apricot preserves and onion soup mix. Simply pour it over the chicken, bake, and you’re done! To add a crunchy texture and extra flavor, we top the casserole with crispy fried onions—a perfect complement to the savory sauce.
This family-friendly recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this apricot chicken casserole is sure to impress. Plus, with minimal prep work, it’s a true lifesaver for those busy days!
Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 cup homemade Catalina salad dressing
- 1 (2 oz) package dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 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. Set aside.
- Whisk ketchup, sugar, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Slowly add in 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 combined.
- Place chicken breasts into the casserole dish and cover with the apricot-Catalina mixture. Bake for 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and garnish with crispy fried onions before serving.
Enjoy this sweet and savory apricot chicken casserole as a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite!
