Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and fills your home with a savory aroma, making it impossible to resist. Imagine sinking your fork into tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sauce that dances on your palate. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, as they inhale the delightful scents wafting through the air.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish has been a cherished family favorite for countless gatherings, from casual weeknight dinners to festive holidays. The blend of flavors transports me back to cozy evenings spent laughing with friends and family over heaping plates of this unforgettable dish. It’s perfect for those laid-back days when you want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare—just toss everything in and let it cook
- The sweet and tangy flavor profile makes it irresistible for both kids and adults
- With its vibrant colors and appetizing aroma, it’s sure to impress any dinner guests
- This recipe is versatile enough for serving with rice, pasta, or even as a filling for tacos
I remember the first time I made Crock Pot Catalina Chicken; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was and begged for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
Catalina Dressing: This tangy dressing serves as the star of the show; grab a good quality brand for maximum flavor.
Onion Soup Mix: A secret ingredient that adds depth and richness; opt for low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned; these add sweetness and balance out the savory flavors beautifully.
Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers for visual appeal; they bring crunch and freshness to each bite.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances flavor; chop or mince them finely for an aromatic kick.
For the Sauce:
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enriching the dish’s umami profile.
Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness complements the tanginess of the Catalina dressing beautifully; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, mince fresh garlic cloves, and set everything out so you’re ready to rock.
Add Chicken to the Crock Pot: Place your boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your trusty crock pot like they’re royalty on their throne. This ensures they soak up all those amazing flavors.
Mingle with Marinade: In a bowl, combine Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour this flavorful blend over your chicken like a flavorful blanket.
Add Pineapple and Peppers: Toss in pineapple chunks and chopped bell peppers. These colorful additions not only brighten up your dish but also bring bursts of flavor with every bite.
Cook Until Tender: Cover your crock pot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fork-tender and infused with all those scrumptious flavors.
Serve It Up: Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks. Stir everything together until well-combined. Serve over rice or pasta for an irresistible meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Now you have a delightful meal that’s perfect not just for busy weeknights but also special occasions where you want to impress without breaking a sweat! Enjoy every mouthwatering bite of that Crock Pot Catalina Chicken!
You Must Know
- This Crock Pot Catalina Chicken recipe simplifies dinner with minimal prep and maximum flavor
- The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays; simply set it and forget it!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken for added depth, then layer the sauce ingredients in the Crock Pot. This sequence ensures flavors meld perfectly while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add veggies like bell peppers for extra color. Experimenting with spices can also elevate this dish from good to gourmet.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Crock Pot Catalina Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve moisture and tenderness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, let the chicken marinate in the Catalina dressing overnight before cooking
- Always taste your sauce before serving; you might want a pinch of salt or a dash of spice
- Serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
Sometimes I think about that one dinner party where everyone kept asking for seconds. I didn’t anticipate how much they’d love this simple dish, but their joy made cooking feel so rewarding!
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a flavorful dish made with chicken breasts simmered in Catalina dressing.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase cooking time by about an hour.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a hot sauce of your choice into the sauce mix.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful, hassle-free dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal perfect for any occasion. Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let the flavors meld together while you go about your day. This crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike, guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup Catalina dressing
- 1 packet onion soup mix (around 1 oz)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (use a mix of colors)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping bell peppers and mincing garlic.
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour over chicken.
- Add pineapple chunks and bell peppers to the pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken in the pot and stir to combine before serving over rice or pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
