Get ready to fall in love with a family favorite that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and irresistibly easy to throw together: Crock Pot Catalina Chicken. When you’re craving maximum flavor with minimum effort, this dreamy slow-cooker dish delivers. Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, and a handful of simple pantry staples transform everyday chicken breasts into a saucy, tangy masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew on a busy weeknight or just need an excuse to dust off your slow cooker, this recipe deserves a spot on your table!

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of fuss-free ingredients to make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken, and each one brings something special to the dish. It’s the magic combination of sweetness, tang, and a touch of savory from the soup mix that makes this meal sing.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, protein-packed, and become beautifully tender in the slow cooker.
Catalina salad dressing: This bright red, sweet-and-tangy dressing is the key to the dish—don’t substitute French or Russian dressing for the same results.
Apricot preserves: For an extra boost of sweetness and a glossy, sticky sauce—feel free to swap in peach preserves if you want to change things up.
Dry onion soup mix: A little packet delivers a big punch of savory flavor and gorgeous flecks of onion throughout the sauce.
Black pepper: A simple dash adds just a hint of warmth to balance out the sweetness.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Craving a little heat? Add a sprinkle for a subtle spicy finish.
Fresh parsley for garnish: A vibrant pop of green makes the finished dish look as delicious as it tastes.

How to Make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible—this lets them cook evenly and soak up every bit of that flavorful sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the Catalina dressing, sweet apricot preserves, savory dry onion soup mix, black pepper, and, if you’re feeling bold, a pinch of red pepper flakes. You’ll notice the dressing and preserves meld into a gorgeous orange-red glaze—this is where all the magic happens for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken!

Step 3: Pour It On

Pour that luscious sauce right over your chicken breasts, making sure they’re completely coated. A little extra effort spreading out the sauce means every bite will be bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and choose your cooking time: set it on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. You’ll know the Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is ready when the chicken is incredibly tender and shreds apart with a fork.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. You can shred it with two forks for a pulled-chicken vibe, or leave the breasts whole for that classic dinner presentation. Give the sauce a good stir, then spoon it generously over the chicken. Don’t forget a final flourish of fresh parsley!

How to Serve Crock Pot Catalina Chicken

Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top as a simple, vibrant garnish—it elevates the dish with color, freshness, and a little herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is tailor-made for serving over white or brown rice, fluffy egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes, where all that irresistible sauce can truly shine. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, are also perfect for a crisp, refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by shredding the chicken and piling it into sandwich buns for a saucy, crowd-pleasing slider. Or, dice the leftovers and add them to a hearty salad with mixed greens, sliced almonds, and mandarin oranges—the sauce doubles as a bold salad dressing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Crock Pot Catalina Chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it (along with plenty of sauce) to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy lunches.

Freezing

For longer storage, pop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers—just be sure to include plenty of the sauce to keep the chicken moist. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a saucepan over medium-low until heated through, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring often. If the sauce seems a bit thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully—the meat turns out super tender and juicy, and the extra richness pairs deliciously with the tangy sauce.

What can I substitute for apricot preserves?

If you don’t have apricot preserves, peach or orange marmalade are both great alternatives. Each will give the sauce a slightly different, but still delicious, sweet-tart finish.

Is there a way to make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken less sweet?

You can! Use a reduced-sugar or light Catalina dressing and opt for a low-sugar fruit preserve, or just reduce the amount of preserves by a quarter cup for a more savory sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely—Crock Pot Catalina Chicken tastes even better as the flavors meld. Cook it a day in advance, store in the fridge (with sauce), and simply reheat when ready to serve.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Using the slow cooker on the low setting and not overcooking is the best trick. The generous amount of sauce helps keep the chicken moist, but try not to let it sit on “keep warm” longer than necessary.

Final Thoughts

If you adore recipes that combine bold flavors, low effort, and crowd-pleasing results, Crock Pot Catalina Chicken was made for you. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

Crock Pot Catalina Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crock Pot Catalina Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy dish that combines sweet and savory flavors for a satisfying meal. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix, creating a dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce:

1 cup Catalina salad dressing
1 cup apricot preserves
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Place the chicken in the slow cooker: Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, onion soup mix, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it or leave it whole as desired.
Finish the dish: Stir the sauce in the slow cooker, then spoon it over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This dish pairs well with rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables.
You can use peach preserves as a substitute for apricot preserves for a different flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American