Make dinner simple with this easy Catalina Chicken recipe. Sweet, tangy, and family-approved— perfect for busy weeknights!
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Easy Catalina Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1hr
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Catalina chicken is a classic dish. It features tender chicken cooked in a glaze made from Catalina salad dressing, onion soup mix, and often cranberry sauce. Think of it as a comforting, weeknight casserole dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup Kraft Catalina salad dressing (or homemade version)
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (optional but highly recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Arrange it in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, stir together Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, and cranberry sauce.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Add parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Substitute cranberry sauce with apricot preserves.
- Use sugar-free or low-sodium versions to lighten the recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50mins
- Category: Main Dish, Dinner
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Why You’ll Love Catalina Chicken Recipe
- Uses pantry staples
- Ready in about an hour
- Flexible with cuts of chicken
- Sweet-savory flavor combo
- Great for leftovers
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Nutrient Amount
- Calories 310
- Protein 28g
- Fat 10g
- Carbohydrates 22g
- Sugars 18g
- Sodium 890mg
How Long to Cook Catalina Chicken Recipe
- Baked: 45–50 minutes at 350°F
- Crockpot: 3–4 hours on HIGH or 6–7 hours on LOW
- Grilled: Marinate and cook for 6–7 minutes per side
What to Serve With Catalina Chicken Recipe
- Rice: Jasmine, wild, or classic white
- Potatoes: Mashed or roasted
- Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, carrots
- Bread: Cornbread or dinner rolls
- Drinks: A fruity Pinot Noir or sweet tea
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: 2–3 minutes, covered, on medium
- Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 300°F for 15 minutes
- Stovetop: Reheat gently with a splash of broth
Freezing & Storage
- To Freeze Before Baking
- Place raw chicken and sauce in a freezer bag
- Lay flat to freeze
Variations to Try
Crockpot Catalina Chicken
- Layer chicken in slow cooker
- Add sauce over top
- Cook 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 on HIGH
Catalina Chicken Thighs
- Use bone-in or boneless thighs
- Bake for 50–55 minutes
Catalina Chicken Sandwich (CPK-Inspired)
- Shred chicken
- Serve on toasted buns with coleslaw and chipotle mayo
Expert Tips & Kitchen Wisdom
- Marinate the chicken for 2–4 hours for bolder flavor.
- Make your own Catalina dressing: ketchup, vinegar, honey, paprika, Worcestershire.
- Toss sliced onions or peppers into the baking dish for a full one-pan meal.
- For a caramelized top, broil the dish for the final 2–3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes! Russian or French work well but offer a different flavor profile.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Use sugar-free Catalina or a homemade low-sugar version.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Prep ahead or freeze leftovers.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes. Cook at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, adding sauce in the final 5 minutes.