Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Crock pot catalina chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Simply set it up in your crockpot and let it do the work while you go about your day. The standout quality of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it a go-to for anyone looking for a tasty yet hassle-free dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a uniquely delicious sauce.
- Versatile Serving: Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or even as a filling for sandwiches.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
- Healthy Option: With lean chicken breasts and wholesome ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to have the right tools at hand. Using the right equipment can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart crock pot
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Crock Pot: This tool allows for slow cooking that makes meat tender while infusing it with flavor.
- Whisk: A whisk ensures that all sauce ingredients combine smoothly, enhancing the overall taste.
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, Dry 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 prepared sauce mixture over the top of the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-2.5 hours. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before serving.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Serve
Once cooked, serve your delicious Crock Pot Catalina Chicken over rice or alongside your favorite sides. Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a deliciously sweet and tangy dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are some great ways to serve this flavorful chicken to elevate your dining experience.
Over Rice
- Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
With Salad
- Pair the chicken with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
In Tacos
- Shred the Catalina chicken and serve it in soft tortillas topped with avocado, cilantro, and lime for a fun twist.
With Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for the tangy sauce, creating a comforting meal.
On a Bun
- Use the shredded chicken as a filling for sandwiches or sliders, adding coleslaw for extra crunch.
With Quinoa
- For a healthier option, serve the chicken over cooked quinoa, which adds protein and texture.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Making the perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is easy with just a few tips. Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and seasonings to enhance the flavor profile of your dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your crock pot, cooking times may vary; always check that chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or onions during cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: Be sure to mix cornstarch thoroughly into cold water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for about 10 minutes before shredding; this helps retain moisture.
- Garnish Before Serving: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds color and freshness when serving.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Catalina Chicken can enhance the meal’s overall flavor. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overshadowing the main dish.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory sauce, making dinner even more satisfying.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the flavors of Catalina Chicken beautifully; grill or boil it as desired.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a nice textural contrast and balances the sweetness of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as carrots or zucchini add depth and flavor to your plate.
- Baked Beans: The hearty taste of baked beans pairs well with BBQ-style dishes like this one, enhancing its comfort food vibe.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a healthy alternative that soaks up all the flavors nicely.
- Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with lemon dressing can brighten up your meal while keeping it healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, some common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
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Skipping the seasoning: Not adding pepper or other spices can result in bland chicken. Always season your dish well to enhance flavors.
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Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can lead to dry meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best results.
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Not thickening the sauce: Neglecting to add cornstarch and water at the end may leave you with a watery sauce. Remember to thicken it for a perfect consistency.
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Ignoring temperature checks: Failing to check if the chicken has reached 165 degrees F could lead to undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer for safety.
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Using low-quality ingredients: Poor-quality dressings or preserves can affect taste. Opt for high-quality ingredients for a more flavorful dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Portion into freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil, heating until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally 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, Catalina dressing, and peach preserves, all slow-cooked to perfection.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time by about an hour when cooking on low.
How do I serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
Serve it over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots or swap out peach preserves for apricot for a different flavor.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is not only easy but also deliciously versatile. Its sweet and tangy flavors make it a family favorite that you can customize as desired. Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that transforms ordinary chicken into a delightful meal. This effortless dish requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Simply combine boneless chicken breasts with Catalina dressing and peach preserves in your crock pot, then let it slow cook while you go about your day. The result is tender, flavorful chicken that can be served over rice, in tacos, or as a filling for sandwiches. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a nutritious option that will impress everyone at the table.
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 Catalina Salad Dressing, peach preserves, Dry Onion Soup Mix, and pepper.
- Place boneless chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot and pour the sauce 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.
- To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve over rice or your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
