Description
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a simple, sweet, and tangy slow-cooked dish featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful mix of Catalina dressing, dry onion soup mix, and apricot preserves. This easy-to-make meal yields tender chicken bathed in a rich sauce that’s perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a comforting American main course.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup apricot preserves
Thickener (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance their flavor.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Catalina salad dressing, dry onion soup mix, and apricot preserves until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, then pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends and continue cooking uncovered or with lid ajar to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken and sauce to plates and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a pulled chicken style, shred the chicken before serving; alternatively, slice for a traditional presentation.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more juicy and flavorful results.
