Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and tangy flavors to transform ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work. The standout quality of this dish lies in its simplicity and the delicious sauce that pairs beautifully with rice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying meal ready without much effort.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a unique taste that will impress your family and friends.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, or even with fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is great for leftovers, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor profile, making it an easy choice for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Preparation is simple when you have the right tools. Having a few essential items will make making Crock Pot Catalina Chicken easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

6-quart crock pot: This size is perfect for cooking large batches, allowing you to feed your family or guests with ease.
Whisk: A whisk helps combine the ingredients smoothly, ensuring a well-blended sauce for your chicken.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in achieving the perfect balance of flavors in this recipe.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina Salad Dressing, Peach Preserves, Onion Soup Mix, and Pepper. This mixture will be the flavorful base for your chicken.

Step 2: Add Chicken to Crock Pot

Place the boneless chicken breasts in your 6-quart crock pot. Pour the prepared Catalina dressing mixture generously over the top of the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover your crock pot 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 for safe consumption.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and cold water. Stir this mixture into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to thicken up that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, serve your delectable Crock Pot Catalina Chicken over rice or your preferred side dish. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal and impress your guests.

Over Rice

Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal. The rice absorbs the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully.

With Vegetables

Pair the chicken with steamed or roasted vegetables. This adds color and nutrition to your plate, making it a complete dinner.

In Tacos

Shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling for tacos. Add toppings like avocado, salsa, and cheese for a fun twist.

On a Salad

Slice the chicken and serve it on a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with extra Catalina dressing for added flavor.

With Biscuits

Serve alongside warm biscuits to soak up the delicious sauce. This combination is comforting and perfect for any meal.

As a Sandwich

Use the chicken in sandwiches or sliders. Add some crunchy coleslaw for texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

To ensure your Crock Pot Catalina Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality Catalina dressing enhance the flavor of your dish.
Avoid overcrowding: Make sure there’s enough space in your crock pot for even cooking; if necessary, cook in batches.
Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain moisture.
Feel free to customize: Experiment with different preserves or dressings to create unique flavor profiles.
Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken pairs well with many side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add richness to your meal.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn balances the tanginess of the chicken with its natural sweetness.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast and adds texture to your plate.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings in healthy grains and can be customized with your favorite veggies.
Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds provide crunch and elegance.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the dish perfectly, creating harmony on your plate.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that pairs well while keeping things light and healthy.
Baked Zucchini Fries: Crispy zucchini fries add a fun twist and are great for dipping into extra sauce!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Awareness of these mistakes will help you create the best dish possible.

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always make sure to use enough pepper and other spices.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can make the chicken dry. Follow the recommended cooking times closely.
Not using a good quality dressing: A low-quality Catalina dressing can ruin the dish. Choose a brand you love for the best taste.
Ignoring the sauce thickening step: Failing to thicken the sauce can result in a watery dish. Be sure to mix cornstarch and water before adding it in during the last 30 minutes.
Skipping serving suggestions: Serving without sides can lessen your meal’s appeal. Pair it with rice or veggies for a complete dinner.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover Crock Pot Catalina Chicken in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
Stovetop: Heat on medium in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warm.

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, peach preserves, and onion soup mix.

Can I use frozen chicken?

You can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What can I serve with Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?

Serve this dish over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken combines sweet and tangy flavors that your family will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and offers plenty of room for customization—try adding your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its delightful taste!

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Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

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Author: Tia
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: About 6 servings 1x

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Description

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a mouthwatering, sweet and tangy dish that elevates ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this slow cooker recipe allows you to effortlessly create a flavorful dinner with minimal prep time. Just mix a few simple ingredients—Catalina dressing, peach preserves, and onion soup mix—and let your crock pot do the work! This versatile dish pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or fresh vegetables, making it ideal for meal prepping or serving at your next gathering. Your family will love the delightful blend of flavors in every bite!

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 black pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina salad dressing, peach preserves, onion soup mix, and pepper.
Place the boneless chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot and pour the sauce over the 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°F.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
Serve over rice or your favorite side dish.

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