Crock pot catalina chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors to elevate your dinner experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the crockpot does all the work. With minimal preparation and ingredients, you’ll enjoy tender chicken that pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the magic while you focus on other tasks.
Flavorful Delight: The combination of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a unique taste that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Versatile Pairing: Serve this dish over rice, pasta, or even in wraps for varied meal options throughout the week.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner, making busy days easier.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor, making it a hit at any family table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. The right equipment will make preparing crock pot catalina chicken much easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

6-quart crock pot: Provides ample space for cooking, ensuring even heat distribution for perfectly cooked chicken.
Small mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients without mess, making the preparation quick and easy.
Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly, which enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

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: Combine with Chicken

Place the chicken in your 6-quart crock pot. Pour the Catalina dressing mixture over the top of the chicken, ensuring that it’s well coated.

Step 3: Cook in Crock Pot

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-2.5 hours. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before serving.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, serve over rice or alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy this flavorful crock pot catalina chicken with family and friends!

How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Crock pot catalina chicken is a delightful dish that brings a sweet and tangy flavor profile, making it versatile for various serving options. Here are some great ideas to enhance your dining experience.

Over Rice

Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

In Tacos

Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in corn or flour tortillas with toppings like avocado and salsa for a fun twist.

With Salad

Pair with a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal option, balancing the hearty flavors of the chicken.

In Sandwiches

Use the chicken as a filling for sandwiches or sliders, adding crunchy pickles for extra texture.

As Lettuce Wraps

For a low-carb option, wrap the chicken in large lettuce leaves with some diced veggies for crunch.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

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

Choose quality chicken: Fresh, boneless chicken breasts will yield the best flavor and texture.
Adjust cooking time: Depending on your crock pot’s heat settings, you may need to tweak the cooking time slightly for optimal results.
Let it rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain juices and enhances flavor.
Customize flavors: Feel free to add additional spices or vegetables such as bell peppers or onions for extra depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Pairing side dishes with crock pot catalina chicken can elevate your meal further. Here are some fantastic options:

Steamed Vegetables: A medley of broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower adds color and nutrients to your plate.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the sweet sauce perfectly.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes offers freshness alongside the rich chicken.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch; grill or boil for an easy side.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors of the dish.
Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs well with catalina chicken’s flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Crock pot cooking is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your Crock Pot Catalina Chicken experience.

Ignoring the Cooking Times: Each crock pot has different cooking times. Always check your chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Not Browning the Chicken First: While this recipe doesn’t require browning, some find that doing so adds extra flavor. Consider searing the chicken briefly before adding it to the crock pot.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Quality ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Use fresh chicken and good-quality salad dressing for the best results.
Skipping the Thickening Step: For a richer sauce, don’t forget to add cornstarch mixed with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step enhances the dish’s texture.
Overcrowding the Crock Pot: If you’re making a larger batch, ensure there’s enough room for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Allow the dish to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil; heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish; cover lightly and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase cooking time by about an hour on low or half an hour on high.

What sides pair well with Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?

Serving this dish with rice, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes complements its flavors wonderfully.

How can I customize my Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cook it on your scheduled day for ease.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. The sweet and tangy flavors make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or sides. Enjoy hassle-free dinners that everyone will love!

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Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful and effortless dish that brings together sweet and tangy flavors, making it the ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This simple slow-cooked recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken that pairs perfectly with rice or steamed vegetables. With just a few key ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a comforting meal that your entire family will love. Whether you serve it over rice, in tacos, or with a side salad, this recipe is versatile enough to suit all tastes.

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 bowl, whisk together Catalina Salad Dressing, Peach Preserves, Dry Onion Soup Mix, and Pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken in a 6-quart crock pot and pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
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 over rice or alongside your preferred sides.

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