Get ready to experience a flavor explosion like no other with this broccoli chicken apricot cheesy casserole! If your mama never shared this culinary gem with you, don’t fret – we’ve got your back. This dish is a perfect storm of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gooey melted cheese, all enveloped in a tantalizing apricot sauce that will make your taste buds sing.
The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Fruity Twist
There’s something about a hearty casserole that just screams comfort food. But this isn’t your average casserole – the addition of sweet apricot preserves takes it to a whole new level. The fruit adds a delightful touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the chicken and cheese.
The best part? This dish is a breeze to make. Simply layer cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and a dreamy mixture of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and cheese in a baking dish. Then, whisk together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and dried onion soup mix to create a mouthwatering sauce that gets poured over the top.
Pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece that will have your family running to the dinner table. The aroma alone is enough to make your stomach growl with anticipation.
Tip: For an extra burst of flavor and texture, top your casserole with crushed Ritz crackers or crispy fried onions before baking.
This casserole isn’t just delicious – it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli not your thing? Try subbing in green beans, carrots, or even zucchini. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some cooked bacon over the top for a salty, smoky kick.
A One-Dish Wonder for Busy Weeknights
Let’s face it – life can get hectic. Between work, school, and countless other obligations, sometimes the last thing you want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That’s where this broccoli chicken apricot cheesy casserole comes in clutch.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a complete meal in one dish. No need to fuss with multiple pots and pans or worry about coordinating side dishes. Just pair it with some fluffy rice or a crisp salad, and voila – dinner is served. Plus, leftovers reheat like a dream, making them perfect for lunch the next day.
But don’t just take our word for it – the proof is in the pudding (or in this case, the casserole). One bite of this heavenly creation and you’ll understand why it’s become a family favorite in households across the country. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.
Tip: Want to make this dish even easier? Use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store instead of cooking your own.
So what are you waiting for? Gather up those ingredients and get ready to wow your taste buds. Trust us – once you try this broccoli chicken apricot cheesy casserole, you’ll never look at casseroles the same way again. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory, healthy and indulgent, easy and impressive. Basically, it’s everything you could ever want in a dinner dish.
Elevate Your Casserole Game with These Must-Have Tools
Now that you’re officially obsessed with this apricot chicken casserole (and who could blame you?), it’s time to make sure you have all the right tools to pull it off. Here are a few kitchen essentials that will take your casserole game to the next level:
First up, you’ll need a reliable 9×13 baking dish. This size is perfect for most casserole recipes and can easily feed a hungry family. Look for one with high sides to prevent any spillage and a tight-fitting lid for easy storage of leftovers.
Next, invest in a quality can opener. You’ll be using it to open those cans of cream of chicken soup, so you want one that’s sturdy and easy to operate. Trust us – there’s nothing more frustrating than wrestling with a subpar can opener when you’re hangry and ready to eat.
Tip: Opt for a can opener with a soft-grip handle for added comfort during use.
Finally, make sure you have a good set of mixing bowls on hand. You’ll need them for whisking together that dreamy apricot sauce and tossing your broccoli with a little oil before roasting. Look for bowls that are microwave-safe and dishwasher-friendly for easy cleanup.
With these tools in your arsenal, you’ll be churning out cheesy, apricot-infused casseroles like a pro in no time. Your family will be begging you to make this dish on repeat, and your friends will be hounding you for the recipe. But don’t worry – your secret is safe with us.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, grab your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of this broccoli chicken apricot cheesy casserole. Trust us – your taste buds (and your belly) will thank you. And who knows? Maybe this will become the new family recipe that gets passed down for generations to come. After all, every family needs a signature dish – and this one is sure to steal the show.
Broccoli Chicken Apricot Cheesy Casserole
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American6
servings20
minutes45
minutes550
kcalThis sweet and savory casserole is a flavor explosion you won’t be able to resist! Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gooey melted cheese come together in an irresistible apricot sauce for a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 (1 oz) package dry onion soup mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup crispy fried onions (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier later.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and dry onion soup mix until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. Set this sauce aside for now.
- Spread the broccoli florets in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure the broccoli covers the entire bottom of the dish. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli, just be sure to thaw frozen broccoli first and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the broccoli in the baking dish. Try to distribute the chicken evenly so every serving will have a good mix of chicken and broccoli. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper if desired.
- Pour the apricot sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out and make sure everything is well coated. The sauce should cover all of the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for later. Distribute the cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil.
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the crispy fried onions (if using) evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and the onions are crispy. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- To make ahead: Assemble the casserole as directed, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
- To freeze: Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not add the crispy onions. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, increasing the baking time as needed.
- You can substitute turkey or ham for the chicken if desired. Leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey also works great in this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw it completely first and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.
Q: Is there a substitute for the mayo in the sauce?
A: If you’re not a fan of mayo, you can use an equal amount of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt instead. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole as directed up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Q: How can I add some extra flavor and crunch to this casserole?
A: For added flavor, try stirring some crispy cooked and crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture. You can also add a sprinkle of sliced almonds or crushed Ritz crackers on top along with (or instead of) the crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
