Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Crock pot catalina chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and tangy flavors, transforming ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, making dinner preparation incredibly simple with the help of your crockpot. With its rich flavor profile and ease of cooking, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss in the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work for you.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of Catalina dressing and peach preserves adds a unique sweetness that elevates the taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Its appealing flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Tools and Preparation
To create this mouthwatering crock pot catalina chicken, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to streamline the 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: Offers ample space to cook larger portions of chicken while allowing for even heat distribution.
- Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining sauce ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps ensure all components are well-mixed for a consistent flavor throughout.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements, leading to the best results.
Ingredients
Crock pot catalina chicken is sweet and tangy and the combination turns chicken into something special. The crockpot makes dinner a breeze.
- 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: Whisk Together Sauce Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina Salad Dressing, Peach Preserves, Onion Soup Mix, and Pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken in Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot. Pour the Catalina dressing mixture over the top of the chicken to coat evenly.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Cover 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 Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until dissolved. Stir this mixture into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious crock pot catalina chicken over rice or your preferred side. Enjoy this sweet and tangy meal!
How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Crock pot catalina chicken is a delicious dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the sweet and tangy sauce, creating a comforting base for your meal.
With Vegetables
- Pair the chicken with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy balance of flavors and nutrients on your plate.
On a Salad
- Shred the cooked chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens topped with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing salad option.
In Tacos
- Use tortillas to create tasty tacos filled with shredded crock pot chicken, avocado, and salsa for a fun twist on traditional taco night.
With Crusty Bread
- Enjoy the dish with slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls to dip into the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more enjoyable.
As Sandwiches
- Transform leftovers into hearty sandwiches by adding sliced chicken between two pieces of your favorite bread along with lettuce and tomato.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Perfecting crock pot catalina chicken ensures you get the best flavor and texture. Here are some helpful tips to make it even better:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh boneless chicken breasts and high-quality Catalina dressing for the best taste.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your crock pot model, adjust cooking times slightly if needed; every crock pot cooks differently.
- Thicken Sauce: For a richer sauce, add the cornstarch mixture towards the end of cooking time as specified to achieve desired thickness.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and color.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time; simply store it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to substitute peach preserves with apricot or mango preserves for a unique twist on the original recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your crock pot catalina chicken elevates your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic make a perfect comfort food pairing.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta adds freshness without overpowering the main dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob provides a sweet crunch that complements the flavors of the chicken.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring an earthy element that balances out sweetness from the dish.
- Baked Beans: The smoky flavor of baked beans pairs wonderfully with sweet and tangy poultry dishes like this one.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add an unexpected twist while enhancing sweetness in each bite.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well; perfect when served alongside rich sauces like those in this recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always ensure you add the right amount of spices and dressings for a flavorful meal.
- Not browning the chicken: While not necessary, browning the chicken before adding it to the crock pot can add depth of flavor. If you have time, sear it in a pan first.
- Overcrowding the crock pot: Adding too much chicken can cause uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or too short can affect texture and safety. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Forgetting to thicken the sauce: Neglecting to mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it can result in a watery sauce. Always stir in this mixture towards the end of cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and safety.
Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Best if used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Crock Pot Catalina Chicken that might help clarify any doubts.
Can I use frozen chicken for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time. Ensure it reaches 165 degrees F before serving.
What side dishes pair well with Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
Rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad are great accompaniments that complement this dish’s flavors.
How do I customize my Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken healthy?
With lean chicken and minimal added sugars from preserves, it can be a healthier option compared to other recipes.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that makes dinner effortless and enjoyable. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting seasoning levels. Don’t hesitate to try this comforting meal!
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful and hassle-free dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal with its sweet and tangy flavor profile. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones while enjoying a comforting dinner. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish quickly becomes a family favorite. Serve it over rice, noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce—it’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
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 bowl, whisk together the Catalina salad dressing, peach preserves, onion soup mix, and pepper until smooth.
- Place the chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over the top.
- 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.
- To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until dissolved, then stir into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over rice or your choice of side dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
