This Easy Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a delicious and super simple dish! Just throw in some chicken and pour over sweet Catalina dressing, and you’re good to go!
It smells amazing while it cooks, and the chicken turns out tender and tasty. I love serving it with rice to soak up all the yummy sauce. It’s a family favorite for sure! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe since they stay tender. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even rotisserie chicken to save time; just add it later in the cooking process.
Catalina Dressing: The key to that sweet and tangy flavor! If you can’t find it, a mix of French dressing or a homemade blend with vinegar and sugar can work in a pinch.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess to your dish. You can swap it with cream of mushroom or a homemade white sauce. For a lighter option, you could use a chicken broth with a bit of cornstarch as a thickener.
Italian Dressing Mix: I enjoy the flavors it brings, but if you don’t have it, Italian seasoning (like oregano, basil, and thyme) works nicely as a substitute, just adjust to taste.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Stays Tender in the Crock Pot?
To achieve perfectly tender chicken, follow these tips:
- Cook on low heat for longer: This allows the chicken to break down and stay juicy.
- Don’t lift the lid too often! Every time you open the crock pot, heat escapes, slowing down the cooking.
- Make sure to use enough liquid; this keeps it moist—don’t skip that dressing and soup mix!
These steps will help guarantee that your chicken turns out moist and easy to shred, perfect for serving with the sauce over rice or noodles!
Easy Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle (12 oz) Catalina salad dressing
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) Italian dressing mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, followed by 6-8 hours of cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. It’s perfect for a busy day because you just set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. Make sure they are laid flat so that they cook evenly.
2. Make the Sauce Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the Catalina salad dressing, condensed cream of chicken soup, and Italian dressing mix. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. This will give you that deliciously creamy and tangy flavor that makes this dish so enjoyable!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Give it a gentle push to ensure the chicken is well covered.
4. Season to Taste:
Add a pinch of salt and pepper according to your preference. This helps enhance the overall flavor. Remember, you can adjust this later if needed when serving!
5. Cook:
Now it’s time to cover the crock pot! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Serve:
When finish cooking, serve the tender chicken with the sauce spooned over the top. This dish pairs perfectly with rice or noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce!
This delightful recipe is not only simple but creates a flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy your easy Crock Pot Catalina Chicken! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to cook it on high for about 5-6 hours or low for 8-10 hours to ensure it’s fully cooked. Just make sure to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Catalina chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before by placing the chicken and sauce mixture in the crock pot insert, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, just place the insert in the slow cooker and set it to cook!
What Can I Serve with Catalina Chicken?
This dish is fantastic served over rice or noodles, but you can also pair it with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a healthier option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables!
