Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors, transforming simple chicken into a standout meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, as it requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the hard work. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish will impress everyone at the table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just mix, pour, and let the crock pot do its magic.
Deliciously Unique Flavor: The blend of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a sweet and tangy sauce that elevates the chicken.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or even in wraps for lunch tomorrow.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and minimal added sugars.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the sweetness, making it an easy choice for dinner.

Tools and Preparation

To make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools to help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

6-quart crock pot
Small mixing bowl
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

6-quart crock pot: The perfect size for cooking large meals; ensures even cooking and easy serving.
Small mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Whisk: Helps blend sauces smoothly, ensuring all flavors are well incorporated.

Ingredients

To prepare Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

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 prepared dressing mixture over the top of the chicken evenly.

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 until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a 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 the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, serve your delicious Crock Pot Catalina Chicken over rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Crock pot catalina chicken is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Serving it the right way enhances its sweet and tangy flavors, making your meal even more enjoyable.

Over Rice

Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. White or brown rice works well.

With Vegetables

Pair your dish with steamed or roasted vegetables for a healthy balance. Broccoli, carrots, or green beans complement the flavors nicely.

On a Salad

Use the chicken as a topping for a fresh garden salad. The tangy sauce adds a wonderful zing to mixed greens.

In Tacos

Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in soft or hard taco shells. Add toppings like avocado, cheese, and salsa for an extra kick.

With Mashed Potatoes

For a comfort food twist, serve the chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce will add great flavor to the potatoes.

As Sandwiches

Create delicious sandwiches using crusty bread and add some crunchy lettuce and tomato for texture.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

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

Choose quality chicken: Fresh boneless chicken breasts yield better taste and texture.
Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the pepper or onion soup mix based on your taste preferences.
Thicken sauce properly: Always add cornstarch towards the end of cooking for optimal thickening without clumping.
Cook low and slow: For tender results, opt for low heat if you have the time; this helps develop flavors.
Add veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or onions to the crock pot for added nutrition and flavor.
Let it rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving lets juices redistribute.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Crock pot catalina chicken pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its sweet and tangy profile. Here are some great options:

Steamed Rice
A classic choice that absorbs all the delicious sauce from the chicken.
Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil enhance both taste and nutrition while adding color to your plate.
Garlic Bread
Crunchy garlic bread provides a perfect vehicle for savoring any leftover sauce on your plate.
Coleslaw
A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the sweetness of the dish nicely.
Corn on the Cob
Grilled or boiled corn brings summer vibes to your meal and pairs well with any protein.
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad topped with fresh herbs offers a nutritious alternative that’s also filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, avoid these common mistakes to ensure a delicious dish.

Using frozen chicken: Always use fresh or thawed chicken for even cooking and better flavor.
Not measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements of the dressing and preserves are crucial for achieving the right balance of sweet and tangy.
Cooking on high too long: Cooking on high heat for longer than recommended can dry out the chicken; stick to the times provided.
Skipping the cornstarch step: This step thickens the sauce, enhancing its texture and flavor; don’t skip it for a perfect finish.
Ignoring internal temperature: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for food safety.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Stovetop: Place in a pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful mixture of Catalina dressing, peach preserves, and onion soup mix.

How can I make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using low-fat dressing and reducing the amount of preserves. You can also add more vegetables to increase nutrition.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! This recipe works well with boneless thighs or even pork if you prefer a different meat option.

How do I serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is best served over rice or with steamed vegetables. It makes a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your crock pot has enough capacity, and you may need to adjust cooking times slightly based on the volume of chicken.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is an irresistible dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a comforting meal without much fuss. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness to suit your taste!

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Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

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Author: Tina
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful and effortless dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a standout meal, ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. With minimal preparation required, you can simply mix the ingredients, let your slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy tender chicken in a delicious sauce. Whether served over rice, pasta, or in wraps, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.

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
2 Tbsp Cold Water

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Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Catalina Salad Dressing, Peach Preserves, Onion Soup Mix, and Pepper until well combined.
Place chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot and pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
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 until smooth and stir into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
Serve warm over rice or your favorite side.

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