Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Published: July 7, 2025

by Sabrina

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors to elevate your chicken meals. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, allowing you to set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work. With its unique blend of Catalina dressing and peach preserves, this dish offers a delicious twist that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything in your crock pot, and let it do the magic while you attend to other tasks.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet peach preserves and zesty Catalina dressing creates a mouthwatering sauce that makes every bite memorable.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve this dish over rice, pasta, or even with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or parties, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure the cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

6-quart crock pot: The large size allows you to cook enough chicken for multiple servings without overcrowding.
Small mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauces and seasonings before adding them to your main ingredient.
Whisk: Ensures that your sauce ingredients are evenly mixed for consistent flavor throughout your dish.

Ingredients

Crock pot catalina chicken is sweet and tangy and the combination turns chicken into something special. The crockpot makes dinner a breeze.

For the 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

In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina Salad Dressing, Peach Preserves, 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 Catalina dressing mixture over the top of the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cover the crock pot 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 a 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 the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, serve your Crock Pot Catalina Chicken over rice or your favorite side dish. Enjoy this flavorful meal with family or friends!

How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Crock pot catalina chicken is deliciously sweet and tangy, making it a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Rice

Serve the chicken over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

With Vegetables

Pair it with steamed green beans or broccoli for a healthy and colorful plate.

In Tacos

Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in soft tortillas topped with avocado and cilantro for a fun twist.

On a Salad

Use the chicken as a topping on a fresh salad, adding crunch with nuts or seeds for texture.

With Bread

Offer slices of crusty bread on the side to mop up the delicious sauce.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

To achieve the best results with your crock pot catalina chicken, follow these simple tips.

Use Quality Chicken: Selecting high-quality, fresh boneless chicken breasts ensures tender and juicy meat.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the pepper amount based on your taste preference or add more spices for an extra kick.
Thicken Sauce Wisely: Incorporate cornstarch towards the end of cooking for a perfect sauce consistency without losing flavor.
Serve Hot: For optimal taste, serve immediately after cooking while it’s hot and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Pairing sides with your crock pot catalina chicken enhances its flavors. Here are some fantastic options.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of the chicken.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs provides a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the dish.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus offers a delightful crunch and vibrant color alongside your meal.
Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans bring additional sweetness and texture, creating a hearty combination.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that pairs well while absorbing flavors from the chicken.
Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach adds nutritional value and a pop of color to your dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Crock Pot Catalina Chicken even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Using frozen chicken: Always use fresh or thawed chicken for best results. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
Skipping the cornstarch step: The cornstarch thickens the sauce, giving it a delightful consistency. Don’t skip this step if you want a rich flavor.
Not checking the internal temperature: Always ensure your chicken reaches 165 degrees F. A meat thermometer is a great tool for this.
Overcooking on high heat: While the crock pot is forgiving, overcooking can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times for juicy results.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Each brand of dressing may vary in saltiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor.

Freezing Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers.
The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Crock Pot Catalina Chicken.

Can I use other dressings with this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different dressings like Italian or ranch for a unique flavor twist!

How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Is Crock Pot Catalina Chicken gluten-free?

Check your dressing and soup mix labels. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work perfectly.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serving over rice is great, but you can also try quinoa or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also delivers delightful flavors that appeal to everyone. Its sweet and tangy profile makes it versatile, allowing you to serve it with various sides. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients!

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