Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that combines sweet and tangy elements into one effortless meal. Made with tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich sauce of Catalina dressing and peach preserves, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity and bold flavor combination. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it took much more effort. The sweetness from the peach preserves balances perfectly with the tangy Catalina dressing, creating a rich, glossy sauce.
It’s also incredibly convenient. You can prep everything in about 10 minutes, set your crock pot, and go about your day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals ahead of time, this dish delivers consistent, satisfying results.
Another reason to love it is its versatility. You can serve it over rice, alongside vegetables, or even shred the chicken for sandwiches or wraps. It adapts easily to your preferences and what you have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 lbs boneless chicken breasts
1 cup Catalina salad dressing
1/2 cup peach preserves
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
Directions
Start by preparing the sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the Catalina dressing, peach preserves, dry onion soup mix, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Next, place the chicken breasts into a 6-quart crock pot. Arrange them evenly so they cook uniformly. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook the chicken. If using the low setting, cook for 4 to 5 hours. If using the high setting, cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, prepare the thickening mixture. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Allow it to cook for the remaining time until the sauce becomes rich and slightly thickened.
Once done, serve the chicken hot with your preferred side dishes.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–2.5 hours on high
Total time: about 4 hours 10 minutes
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. For a slightly less sweet version, reduce the amount of peach preserves. If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Adding vegetables is another great option. Bell peppers, onions, or carrots can be placed in the crock pot along with the chicken to create a more complete one-pot meal.
You can also swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer and juicier texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before storing.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it cooks safely and evenly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep and reheats very well.
What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables all pair well.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness.
Is the sauce very sweet?
It has a balanced sweet and tangy flavor, but you can adjust sweetness by reducing preserves.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots work well.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crock pot is large enough to handle the extra volume.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Make sure to add the cornstarch mixture and allow enough time for it to thicken.
Can I shred the chicken?
Yes, the chicken becomes very tender and is easy to shred for sandwiches or wraps.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Its sweet and tangy sauce, combined with tender slow-cooked chicken, makes it a reliable favorite for both busy weeknights and relaxed family meals. With easy customization options and excellent storage flexibility, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
A comforting slow cooker chicken dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a sweet and tangy Catalina dressing and peach preserves sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
3 lbs boneless chicken breasts
1 cup Catalina salad dressing
1/2 cup peach preserves
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together Catalina dressing, peach preserves, dry onion soup mix, and black pepper until smooth.
Place chicken breasts evenly in a 6-quart crock pot.
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–2.5 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
Continue cooking for the remaining time until the sauce thickens.
Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
Reduce peach preserves slightly if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Include vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots for a complete meal.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2–3 months in airtight containers.
Reheat in microwave, stovetop, or oven until warmed through.
