Crock pot catalina chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, transforming ordinary chicken into a culinary delight. This easy-to-make recipe is great for busy weeknights or any occasion where you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply throw everything in your crockpot, and let it do the work. You’ll love how versatile this dish is, pairing beautifully with rice or vegetables!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe makes dinner easy.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a unique sweet and tangy flavor that elevates chicken.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s a hit at any family gathering.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
Make Ahead: Prepare it in advance and let the crockpot do the magic while you go about your day.

Tools and Preparation

To make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools that simplify the cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

6-quart crock pot
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

6-quart crock pot: Ideal size for cooking large portions of chicken evenly and thoroughly.
Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the sauce ingredients without making a mess.
Whisk: Helps to blend ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even flavor throughout the dish.

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

For Thickening

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: Add Chicken to Crock Pot

Place the boneless chicken breasts in your 6-quart crock pot. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top of the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover the crock pot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-2.5 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In another small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken up your delicious sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, serve your Crock Pot Catalina Chicken over rice or with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy this flavorful meal with family and friends!

How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Crock pot catalina chicken is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can pair it with various sides or serve it in different ways to enhance the meal experience.

Over Rice

This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, soaking up the sweet and tangy sauce.

In a Wrap

Shred the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce for an easy meal on the go.

On a Salad

Serve the chicken over a bed of greens, adding cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing salad option.

With Mashed Potatoes

The rich sauce complements creamy mashed potatoes, making for a comforting dinner choice.

On Pasta

Toss the shredded chicken with pasta and extra sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.

As Tacos

Use soft or hard taco shells filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and toppings for a fun twist on dinner.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

To ensure your crock pot catalina chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients enhance flavors significantly. Opt for high-quality chicken and fresh produce whenever possible.
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your crock pot’s settings, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly. Always check that the chicken reaches 165 degrees F internally.
Thicken the Sauce: Add cornstarch and cold water towards the end of cooking to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps intensify flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

The right side dishes can elevate your crock pot catalina chicken meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Steamed Broccoli: A healthy green veggie that adds color and nutrients.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce; it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Coleslaw: A crunchy side that provides contrast to the tender chicken.
Quinoa Salad: Nutritious and filling, quinoa salad makes a great accompaniment.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful sweetness that pairs well with this dish.
Roasted Carrots: Their natural sweetness enhances the flavors of the catalina chicken while adding texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to soak in the Catalina dressing mixture can lead to bland flavors. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking for a richer taste.
Overcrowding the Crock Pot: Adding too much chicken at once can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount of chicken for best results.
Not Checking the Temperature: Failing to check the internal temperature of the chicken may result in undercooked meat. Always ensure it reaches 165 degrees F for safety.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high might seem tempting, but it can lead to dry chicken. Follow recommended cooking times for juicy results.
Neglecting Thickeners: Forgetting to add cornstarch at the end can leave your sauce runny. Incorporate it during the last 30 minutes for a perfect consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in airtight containers.
Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Use freezer-safe bags or containers for storage.
Freeze for up to 3 months; label with dates for convenience.

Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place in a covered dish, and heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and heat in short intervals, stirring as needed.
Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crock Pot Catalina Chicken that might help you out!

What is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish made by slow-cooking chicken with Catalina dressing, peach preserves, and onion soup mix.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in your Crock Pot. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure they cook thoroughly.

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Adjust the sweetness by using less peach preserves if desired.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Crock Pot Catalina Chicken stores well and makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different ingredients while enjoying its sweet and tangy flavor profile. Give this recipe a try and experience a cozy dinner that’s sure to delight everyone at your table!

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Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful, hands-off recipe that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Made with tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a luscious sauce of Catalina dressing, peach preserves, and onion soup mix, this dish transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into extraordinary feasts. Ideal for busy families or anyone looking to impress guests without the time commitment, this recipe allows you to simply toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic. Serve it over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing, peach preserves, onion soup mix, and pepper until well combined.
Place boneless chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot and pour the sauce mixture evenly over them.
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 another bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Once cooked, serve over rice or with your favorite sides.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (low)
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American