If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug and comes together with almost no fuss, the Crock Pot Catalina Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner. This dish is that perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory, simmered low and slow to tender perfection. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it transforms simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering, saucy masterpiece that the whole family will adore. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your weeknight rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are delightfully straightforward, yet each plays an important role in building the signature flavor and cozy texture of this dish. From the tangy zest of Catalina dressing to the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, every element combines to create a sauce that’s irresistibly rich and flavorful.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A classic, lean protein that cooks beautifully in the crock pot, soaking up all the flavors.
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing: This is the heart of the sauce, offering a tangy, slightly sweet base that makes this recipe shine.
- ½ cup ketchup: Adds a rich tomato flavor and a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel note that rounds out the sauce’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami boost and savory depth that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that savory kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple but essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient and pull everything together.
How to Make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by combining the Catalina salad dressing, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This sauce is the magic behind the dish, marrying tang and sweetness in the most delightful way.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot, laying them in a single layer so they cook evenly. This ensures every bite gets fully tender and infused with flavor as the sauce slowly works its magic.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Drizzle that heavenly sauce you just made evenly across the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated because that’s where the flavor lives. This also helps keep the chicken moist and juicy during the long cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Perfectly Tender
Pop the lid on your crock pot and let it cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The chicken will become tender enough to shred easily and will soak up all the vibrant sauce flavors. Don’t forget to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F for safe eating.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When your chicken is done, you can shred it effortlessly with two forks for a pulled chicken style or serve the breasts whole with the sauce spooned generously over top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions adds a lovely fresh finish.
How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A touch of fresh herbs like parsley or sliced green onions not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a fresh, subtle bite that complements the rich sauce perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little shredded cheddar cheese melted on top can also be dreamy.
Side Dishes
Because the sauce carries so much flavor, you’ll want sides that can soak it all up. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery egg noodles. Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots are wonderful to add color and a bit of crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the shredded Crock Pot Catalina Chicken Recipe on top of a toasted bun for a tangy chicken sandwich or use it as a filling for tacos or wraps with fresh slaw for some Tex-Mex flair. It’s also fantastic spooned over baked potatoes or even pizza dough for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Catalina Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your next meal just as enjoyable, if not more so, than the first.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness for later, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain tenderness and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much will help restore that perfect saucy consistency without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this Crock Pot Catalina Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Is Catalina dressing available in most grocery stores?
Absolutely! Catalina salad dressing is widely available in the salad dressing aisle of most supermarkets. If you can’t find it, you can even whip up a simple homemade version with ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the balanced flavors.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
This recipe can be adapted to the oven by baking the chicken covered in a baking dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes to an hour, until cooked through and tender, basting occasionally with the sauce.
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay extra moist and tender. Just adjust cooking times slightly and keep an eye on doneness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simplicity and comfort of the Crock Pot Catalina Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like it was made just for cozy nights at home, yet is impressive enough to serve to company. Give it a try soon and enjoy the warm, flavorful embrace of this easy, soulful meal.
Print
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is an easy, flavorful slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy and slightly sweet Catalina dressing sauce. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, this recipe combines a simple homemade sauce with slow cooker convenience to deliver juicy, fall-apart chicken ideal for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
Sauce
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This creates a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that will infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Arrange chicken in the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot in a single layer to ensure even cooking and consistent sauce coverage.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once done, shred the chicken with two forks for a pulled texture or serve the breasts whole with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, use homemade Catalina dressing or a good quality store-bought variety.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked.
- You can double the sauce ingredients if you prefer more sauce with your chicken.
- Serving suggestions include rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complement the dish.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the microwave or stove.
