Crock pot catalina chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors, turning ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion when you want to impress without the hassle. Utilizing your crockpot means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavorful Combination: The mix of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a unique taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve this dish over rice, pasta, or even on a bed of greens for a fresh twist.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the sweet and savory profile of this chicken dish.
Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and reheating; great for leftovers!

Tools and Preparation

To make the most out of your crock pot catalina chicken, having the right tools can streamline your 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: Ideal size for cooking large batches of chicken; ensures even cooking.
Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without taking up too much space.
Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth mixture in seconds, ensuring all flavors blend well.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are essential for making the best crock pot catalina 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 Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina Salad Dressing, Peach Preserves, Onion Soup Mix, and Pepper until fully combined.

Step 2: Add Chicken to Crock Pot

Place the chicken breasts in the 6-quart crock pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the top of the chicken evenly.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

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 the Sauce

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

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, serve over rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy every delicious bite of your crock pot catalina chicken!

How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Crock pot catalina chicken is a delicious meal that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Over Rice

Serving this dish over rice allows the sweet and tangy sauce to soak into the grains, creating a flavorful combination.

With Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes provide a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce of the crock pot catalina chicken.

On a Bed of Greens

For a lighter option, serve the chicken on fresh greens. The dressing complements the vegetables and adds freshness.

In Tacos

Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos. Add toppings like avocado and salsa for extra flavor.

With Steamed Vegetables

Pairing this dish with steamed vegetables adds color and nutrition, balancing out the sweetness of the chicken.

As Sandwiches

Use the shredded chicken to make delicious sandwiches. Add coleslaw for crunch and extra taste.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

To achieve the best results with your crock pot catalina chicken, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality salad dressing make a noticeable difference in taste.
Adjust cooking time: Depending on your slow cooker, cooking times may vary. Always check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or onions for added nutrition and flavor during cooking.
Thicken sauce properly: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to ensure even thickening without lumps.
Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juiciness.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add garlic powder or paprika to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Pairing side dishes with crock pot catalina chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad adds protein and freshness that balances the flavors of the main dish.
Coleslaw
The crunchy texture of coleslaw complements the tenderness of the chicken while adding a refreshing taste.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile.
Corn on the Cob
Sweet corn pairs beautifully with crock pot catalina chicken, making it an ideal summer side dish.
Baked Beans
The savory flavors of baked beans contrast nicely with the sweet notes of the crock pot dish.
Couscous
This fluffy grain cooks quickly and can be flavored easily, making it an excellent base for serving alongside your chicken.
Potato Wedges
Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch and are perfect for dipping in any leftover sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Crock Pot Catalina Chicken can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the seasoning – Not adding enough seasoning can make your dish bland. Always taste and adjust before serving.
Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken for too long may dry it out. Stick to the recommended cooking times to maintain juiciness.
Not using enough sauce – A dry dish is less appealing. Make sure to pour enough sauce over the chicken for flavor and moisture.
Ignoring the thickening step – Failing to add cornstarch and water at the end can leave you with a watery sauce. Don’t skip this step for a perfect consistency.
Using frozen chicken – Starting with frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking. Always thaw your chicken beforehand for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop – Heat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Crock Pot Catalina Chicken that might help enhance your experience.

What is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken breasts, Catalina dressing, peach preserves, and seasonings. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect over rice.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! While chicken is traditional, you can use pork or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I customize the recipe?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions during cooking. For spice lovers, try adding red pepper flakes or sriracha.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure your crock pot has enough capacity. Cooking time may need slight adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Its sweet and tangy flavor makes it a family favorite that you can customize based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try for dinner tonight!

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Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that transforms simple chicken breasts into an unforgettable meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy slow cooker recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully throughout the day. The combination of Catalina dressing and peach preserves creates a unique taste that even picky eaters will love. Serve it over rice, pasta, or a fresh bed of greens for a versatile dish that’s sure to impress.

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 dressing, peach preserves, onion soup mix, and pepper until well combined.
Place chicken breasts in a 6-quart crock pot and pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-2.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
In another bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir this into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serve over rice or your favorite side dish and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours
Category: Main
Method: Slow cooking
Cuisine: American