Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Crock pot catalina chicken is a deliciously sweet and tangy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. The slow cooker does all the hard work, turning simple ingredients into a flavorful feast with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a unique taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice, pasta, or even on its own for a low-carb option.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this crock pot meal fits right in.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and lower in carbs, it’s a nutritious option the whole family will love.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing crock pot catalina chicken even easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
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 perfect for cooking larger meals, making it ideal for families or meal prep.
- Small mixing bowl: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly before adding them to the chicken.
- Whisk: Helps to thoroughly mix sauces, ensuring an even flavor throughout your dish.
Ingredients
Crock pot catalina chicken is sweet and tangy, and the combination turns chicken into something special. The crockpot makes dinner a breeze.
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
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious 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 the Crock Pot
Place the chicken in your 6-quart crock pot. Pour the Catalina 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
Mix cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to thicken up your sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, serve your tasty 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 versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Over Rice
- Serving this chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice allows you to soak up the delicious sauce.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Pairing the chicken with steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans adds color and nutrition to your meal.
In Tacos
- Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with fresh toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a fun twist.
On a Salad
- Use the shredded chicken as a topping for mixed greens, adding your favorite veggies and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing option.
As Sandwiches
- Serve the chicken on crusty rolls with some creamy coleslaw for a hearty and satisfying sandwich.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken, making it a comforting classic.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Making the perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality Catalina dressing will enhance the overall flavor of your meal.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your crock pot model, cooking times may vary. Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding garlic or diced onions in addition to the onion soup mix for more depth.
- Thicken Your Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch by an extra tablespoon when mixing in cold water.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices when serving.
- Experiment with Fruits: Try swapping peach preserves with apricot or mango preserves for different flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Complementing your Crock Pot Catalina Chicken with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
-
Garlic Bread
A warm slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate. -
Coleslaw
The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture and balances out the sweetness of the chicken. -
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese provides a nutritious contrast. -
Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn on the cob enhances your meal’s flavor profile while adding seasonal freshness. -
Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs offer a hearty side that pairs nicely with tender chicken. -
Baked Beans
Sweet baked beans can complement the tangy notes of your dish, making them an ideal pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Crock Pot Catalina Chicken can be simple, but some common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Always taste and adjust as you go.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the suggested cooking times for best results.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality dressings or sauces can affect flavor. Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for a better outcome.
- Not thickening the sauce: Forgetting to add cornstarch at the end will leave your sauce runny. Mix it in for a perfect consistency.
- Ignoring food safety tips: Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot Catalina Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
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 delicious mixture of Catalina dressing and peach preserves.
How do I make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken healthier?
You can use low-fat dressing and reduce the amount of peach preserves for fewer calories while keeping the flavor intact.
Can I cook Crock Pot Catalina Chicken on high?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2-2.5 hours if you’re short on time, but slow cooking yields more tender results.
What should I serve with Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
Serving this dish over rice is ideal. You could also pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also offers delightful flavors that your whole family will love. The recipe allows for customization; feel free to add veggies or adjust sweetness levels! Give it a try today!
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful dish that marries sweet and tangy flavors, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. Just throw the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you enjoy time with family or friends. The combination of Catalina dressing and peach preserves delivers a unique taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it over rice, pasta, or in tacos for a versatile dining experience that caters to all preferences. Enjoy this comforting dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein for a healthy meal option.
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 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 them evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-2.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- To thicken the sauce, combine cornstarch and cold water in a separate bowl, then stir this mixture into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once done, serve over rice or your favorite side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
