Crock pot catalina chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors, transforming ordinary chicken into something truly special. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe makes dinner preparation a breeze. With minimal effort, you can savor a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- How to Make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Step 2: Add Chicken to Crock Pot
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Over Rice
- With Mashed Potatoes
- In a Wrap
- On a Salad
- With Steamed Vegetables
- How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when my Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is done?
- Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
- What can I serve with Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
- Is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken healthy?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This dish requires just a few minutes of prep time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a unique taste that will impress your family and friends.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, pasta, or even in wraps for different meal experiences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its sweet and tangy profile, this recipe is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and minimal added sugars, it’s a healthier dinner option.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this easy recipe, ensure you have the right tools ready. Having the necessary equipment will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart crock pot
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 6-quart crock pot: Ideal for cooking large portions at once, perfect for family meals.
- Small mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly before adding them to the crock pot.
- Whisk: Helps mix liquids thoroughly to ensure an even flavor throughout the dish.
Ingredients
To make delicious Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, gather these simple ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 3 lbs Boneless Chicken Breasts (Approximately 6 Chicken Breasts)
- 1 Cup Catalina Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup Peach Preserves
- 1 Packet Dry Onion Soup Mix
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp Cold Water
How to Make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina Salad Dressing, Peach Preserves, Onion Soup Mix, and Pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Add Chicken to Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot. Pour the Catalina dressing mixture over the top of the chicken, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-2.5 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when cooked through.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In another small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water. Stir this mixture into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once fully cooked, serve your flavorful Crock Pot Catalina Chicken over rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice for a comforting meal.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Pair the dish with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce.
In a Wrap
- Use tortillas or flatbreads to make delicious wraps filled with Catalina chicken and your favorite toppings.
On a Salad
- Shred the chicken and top a fresh salad for a light yet satisfying meal option.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Complement the chicken with steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced plate.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Making the perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is easy with these tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts and quality Catalina dressing will enhance flavor.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooking may dry out the chicken.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: Mix cornstarch with cold water thoroughly before adding it to avoid clumping.
- Add More Flavor: Consider adding garlic or ginger for an extra layer of flavor in the sauce.
- Garnish Before Serving: Fresh herbs like parsley add color and freshness when serving.
- Store Leftovers Correctly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Serving side dishes alongside your Crock Pot Catalina Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus pairs nicely with the sweet flavors of the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds texture and nutrition to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce from your plate.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a crisp contrast that complements the dish’s sweetness.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a sweet crunch that balances out the flavors perfectly.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring their own sweetness and creaminess, making them an ideal pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can leave your chicken bland. Make sure to use the right amount of pepper and onion soup mix.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Always check that it reaches 165 degrees F for perfect tenderness.
- Neglecting to thicken the sauce: If you forget to add cornstarch, your sauce might be too thin. Stir in the cornstarch mixture in the last 30 minutes for a rich texture.
- Not marinating ahead of time: While not necessary, letting the chicken soak in the Catalina dressing overnight enhances flavor. Prepare in advance for a tastier meal.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Using subpar salad dressings or preserves affects taste. Choose quality ingredients for better flavor results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat covered for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken.
How do I know when my Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is done?
Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. This ensures it’s safe and perfectly cooked.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in your crock pot! Just increase cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Feel free to get creative with your sides!
Is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken healthy?
Yes! This recipe provides lean protein from chicken and uses lower-calorie dressing options. Just watch portion sizes for added preserves.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is not just easy; it’s also incredibly versatile and delicious. You can customize it with different dressings or add vegetables for extra nutrition. Try this recipe today and enjoy its sweet and tangy flavors!
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Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful and effortless dish that marries sweet and tangy flavors, transforming ordinary chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this slow-cooked meal requires minimal prep time while delivering maximum taste. With its unique blend of Catalina dressing and peach preserves, it’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Serve it over rice, in wraps, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a versatile dining experience. Enjoy the simplicity of preparing a wholesome dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing
- 1/2 cup peach preserves
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Catalina dressing, peach preserves, onion soup mix, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-2.5 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the pot to thicken the sauce.
- Once cooked, serve over rice or your choice of side dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
