Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors to transform simple chicken into a special meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, as it requires minimal effort while delivering maximum taste. With the convenience of a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The crockpot does all the work for you, making this dish perfect for busy days.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a unique sweet and tangy profile.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, pasta, or even on its own—this dish adapts to your preference!
- Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors, even picky eaters will enjoy this tasty chicken dish.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and balanced flavors, this recipe fits well into a healthy eating plan.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Crock Pot Catalina Chicken efficiently, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart crock pot
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 6-quart crock pot: This size is ideal for cooking multiple chicken breasts at once, ensuring even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without cluttering your workspace.
- Whisk: Helps blend the dressing and preserves smoothly for an even coating on the chicken.
Ingredients
Crock pot catalina chicken is sweet and tangy and the combination turns chicken into something special. The crockpot makes dinner a breeze.
For the Chicken
- 3 lbs Boneless Chicken Breasts (Approximately 6 Chicken Breasts)
For the Sauce
- 1 Cup Catalina Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup Peach Preserves
- 1 Packet Dry Onion Soup Mix
- 1 tsp Pepper
To Thicken the Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp Cold Water
How to Make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina Salad Dressing, Peach Preserves, Onion Soup Mix, and Pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken in the Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the top of the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-2.5 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
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 up your sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, serve your delicious Crock Pot Catalina Chicken over rice or your choice of side. Enjoy this flavorful meal with family or friends!
How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Crock pot catalina chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce. This classic pairing is satisfying and easy.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes complement the flavors of the chicken perfectly. The richness of the potatoes balances out the sauce.
In Tacos
- Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa for a fun taco night.
On a Salad
- Chop the chicken and toss it on a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Drizzle with extra Catalina dressing for a refreshing salad.
As a Sandwich
- Use the shredded chicken to make hearty sandwiches with crusty rolls or bread. Add some coleslaw for crunch!
With Quinoa
- Serve over quinoa for a healthy twist. The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs well with the sweet sauce, making it a nutritious option.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
To make your crock pot catalina chicken even better, consider these helpful tips:
-
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts will yield better flavor and texture than frozen ones.
-
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of peach preserves in the recipe without sacrificing flavor.
-
Add Vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers or onions into the crock pot for added nutrition and color.
-
Cook Until Tender: Ensure you cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for optimal tenderness.
-
Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices for a more flavorful bite.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Pairing sides with your crock pot catalina chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
-
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steam broccoli florets for a nutritious, vibrant side that adds color to your plate.
-
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings seasonal freshness and sweetness that complements the dish well.
-
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce from your plate.
-
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts provide a nice crunch and contrast to the tender chicken.
-
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances out the sweetness of your main dish.
-
Baked Beans: Rich baked beans offer heartiness that pairs nicely with this sweet-and-tangy recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.
-
Skipping the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken in the Catalina dressing can lead to less flavor. Make sure to allow the chicken to soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
-
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times of 4-5 hours on low or 2-2.5 hours on high.
-
Not Thickening the Sauce: Forgetting to add cornstarch can result in a watery sauce. Mix cornstarch with cold water and add this mixture during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a nice thick sauce.
-
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality salad dressing or preserves can affect taste. Always opt for good-quality ingredients for best results.
-
Ignoring Internal Temperature: Not checking if the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F can be risky. Use a meat thermometer for safety and perfect doneness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Freeze in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container.
- Label with the date and name.
- Use within 2-3 months for best taste.
Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
-
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and cover the dish with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
-
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
-
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish made by slow-cooking chicken breasts with Catalina dressing, peach preserves, and onion soup mix.
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
Cooking time varies; it takes about 4-5 hours on low or 2-2.5 hours on high until fully cooked.
Can I customize my Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions, or substitute different fruit preserves based on your preference.
What should I serve with Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
This dish goes well over rice, but you could also pair it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for balance.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that make it irresistible. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings and allows room for customization according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is!
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful and effortless dish that brings together sweet and tangy flavors to elevate your chicken dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, freeing up your time while delivering a delicious meal everyone will love. The combination of Catalina dressing, peach preserves, and a touch of onion soup mix makes for a uniquely satisfying sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or even in tacos. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile dish is sure to impress!
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 (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together Catalina salad dressing, peach preserves, onion soup mix, and pepper until combined.
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over them evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-2.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water in another bowl and stir into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
- Serve over rice or your choice of side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (113g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
