Looking for a delicious and easy chicken recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Catalina Chicken recipe! With a sweet and tangy flavor profile, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The great flavors of Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix create a unique and tasty combination.
- Quick and easy prep time makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein for a healthy meal.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding flavor.
- Kraft Catalina salad dressing: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
- Apricot preserves: Provides sweetness and a fruity element to the sauce.
- Dry onion soup mix: Adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for a hint of heat.
- Minced fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut large pieces in half for smaller portions.
- Heat oil in a skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, onion soup mix, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Optional: broil for a couple of minutes to bubble the sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the sauce over the chicken pieces.
Helpful Tips:
- Marinate the chicken in the sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Swap apricot preserves for peach preserves for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Catalina Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables and a crisp green salad. Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- While you can freeze the cooked chicken, the sauce may separate upon thawing.
Conclusion:
Try this Catalina Chicken recipe for a flavorful and easy meal option that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a winner. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Catalina Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Catalina Chicken Recipe combines tangy Catalina dressing with sweet apricot preserves for a delicious glaze on tender chicken breasts. It’s a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil, divided
Sauce:
- 1 cup Kraft Catalina salad dressing
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 1.25 ounce packet dry onion soup mix
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Minced fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Coat a baking dish with nonstick spray and preheat the oven.
- Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in a skillet.
- Make Sauce: Combine dressing, preserves, soup mix, and red pepper.
- Bake: Pour sauce over chicken and bake until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest, then spoon sauce over before serving.
Notes
- If desired, broil the chicken at the end for a caramelized finish.
- Serve with rice or salad for a complete meal.