You walk through the door after a long day, and the smell of sweet, tangy, saucy chicken fills your kitchen. Dinner is already done, the flavors are rich and comforting, and all you had to do was toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker earlier in the day. That’s the magic of Crock Pot Catalina Chicken.
This dish is sticky, saucy, and bursting with sweet-and-savory flavor. The chicken turns tender and juicy, soaking up every bit of that Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, and apricot preserves. Best of all, it’s versatile—you can serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or even tuck it into wraps. One bite and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: Just 5 minutes of prep—your crock pot does the rest.
- Flavor-packed: Sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable pantry staples.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters love it.
- Versatile: Serve it however you like—over rice, in sliders, or as a wrap filling.
If you love cozy, easy slow cooker meals, this recipe will quickly earn a top spot in your rotation.
Who This Recipe is Perfect For
This dish is made for:
- Busy parents who need dinner ready with no stress
- Beginner cooks who want a foolproof recipe
- Families with picky eaters (yes, kids love the sweet sauce!)
- Meal preppers who want leftovers that reheat beautifully
- Anyone who craves comforting, homestyle flavors
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to make this flavorful chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
Optional:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
✨ Why these work: The Catalina dressing adds tang, the apricot preserves bring natural sweetness, and the onion soup mix layers in savory depth. Together, they create a sticky glaze that coats every bite of chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix together the Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s coated well.
- Cover and cook:
- On low: 5–6 hours
- On high: 3–4 hours
- Optional: For a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch + water into the liquid at the end and let it cook 5–10 more minutes.
- Shred or slice the chicken, spoon the sauce over the top, and serve warm.
💡 That’s it—no searing, no fancy steps. Just a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
- Mixing bowl + whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife + cutting board (for garnish)
- Forks (if shredding chicken)
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
- Use thawed chicken, not frozen—so the sauce doesn’t get watery.
- Want extra veggies? Add bell peppers, onions, or carrots during the last hour.
- For richer flavor, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions to brighten the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Even in a slow cooker, chicken can dry out—stick to the times.
- Using sugar-free dressing: It can change the flavor and texture.
- Skipping the thickener: If you like a sticky glaze, don’t skip this step.
- Overcrowding with veggies: Too many can water down the sauce.
Serving Ideas
This chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. Try it:
- Over steamed rice or mashed potatoes
- Tossed with buttered egg noodles
- On top of a baked sweet potato
- Wrapped in tortillas for quick chicken wraps
- Shredded into sliders for game day
Easy Variations to Try
- Peachy twist: Use peach preserves instead of apricot
- Tropical vibe: Add pineapple chunks and serve with coconut rice
- Spicy kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha
- Different dressing: Swap Catalina with French or Russian dressing
- Dark meat lovers: Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Perfect for meal prep lunches or quick dinners.
What to Serve with Catalina Chicken
Round out your meal with:
- Garlic herb bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Crispy roasted potatoes
- A light side salad (like cucumber feta or Greek salad)
- A simple dessert like lemon bars or berry yogurt bark
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s safer to thaw first so the chicken cooks evenly.
Is Catalina the same as French dressing?
They’re similar—Catalina is tangier and thinner, French is creamier. Both work!
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, just simmer covered for 30–40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Whisk cornstarch + water into the sauce and let it simmer until glossy.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is one of those magical recipes—minimal effort, big payoff, and a flavor that wins over everyone at the table. It’s sweet, tangy, saucy, and perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend dinners.
💌 If this recipe made your mouth water, don’t stop here—try our chicken kiev pasta bake or crockpot Thai peanut chicken next.
And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more easy, obsession-worthy recipes delivered every week.
Because let’s be real—once you taste this chicken, you’ll want to stick around for every recipe to come. ❤️
