Introduction
There’s something unforgettable about the moment you first try Crock Pot Catalina Chicken. Years ago, I brought this dish to a casual weekend dinner with friends, and it disappeared so fast nobody believed how simple it was to make. The sweet and tangy flavor is the kind of combination that takes chicken from ordinary to crave-worthy using just a few pantry staples. Letting the crockpot handle all the cooking means dinnertime is stress-free, with no need to stand over the stove. Every bite of tender chicken is glazed in a glossy, sticky, vibrant sauce—delicious over rice, as a salad topper, or piled onto a sandwich. You won’t believe something so quick can taste this special.
The Secret to Irresistible Catalina Chicken
Why Slow Cooking Maximizes Flavor
Using the crockpot for Catalina Chicken means you get the deepest flavor with hardly any effort. The chicken soaks up all the seasoning as it gently cooks, resulting in juicy, fork-tender meat every time. Because the crockpot seals in moisture, you never get dry or stringy chicken—just perfectly cooked pieces coated in an intensely delicious sauce. Slow cooking also allows the sugars in the preserves and dressing to concentrate, thickening and glazing the sauce naturally. The extended time for flavors to meld means every bite bursts with balanced taste, making this dish stand out no matter how you serve it. If you walk in the door to a kitchen full of sweet, tangy aroma, you know dinner is going to be fantastic.
Easy Ingredients, Maximum Convenience
The beauty of Crock Pot Catalina Chicken lies in its simplicity—just combine the sauce ingredients, pour over the chicken, and cook. Catalina dressing provides tang and sweetness, working perfectly with the peach preserves for a sticky, finger-licking glaze. Dry onion soup mix layers in a savory backbone, plus punchy seasoning, with virtually no extra measuring needed. Black pepper rounds out all the flavors and a bit of cornstarch slurry, added at the end, thickens the sauce so it hugs the chicken luxuriously. Because you’re cooking boneless chicken breasts, they’re easy to slice, shred, or serve whole for however your family likes. With easy cleanup and guaranteed rave reviews, this recipe is as convenient as it gets.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Method
Sauce Thickening and Final Touches
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix a simple cornstarch slurry (cornstarch plus cold water) and stir it into the crock pot. This step transforms the sauce from a runny liquid into a glossy, clingy glaze that coats every bite. Letting the sauce simmer with cornstarch brings the ideal thickness for spooning over rice or vegetables without watering them down. If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply skip the slurry and allow the juices to concentrate naturally as the chicken finishes cooking. For extra sweetness or tang, you can stir in an extra tablespoon of preserves or Catalina dressing before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a dash of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions and Side Pairings
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is incredibly versatile for serving—try it over fluffy white rice or seasoned brown rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Sliced and layered atop mixed greens with crunchy vegetables, it transforms into a sweet-savory salad meal. You can serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or tacos for a portable option kids love. For heartier meals, pair with simple sides like roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, green beans, or corn on the cob. The sticky glaze tastes great with fluffy dinner rolls or breadsticks used for dipping. Leftovers work perfectly for meal prep, making lunch or dinner the next day quick and flavorful.
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Boneless Chicken Breasts Approximately 6 Chicken Breasts
- ▢1 Cup Catalina Salad Dressing
- ▢½ cup Peach Preserves
- ▢1 Packet Dry Onion Soup Mix
- ▢1 tsp Pepper
- ▢2 Tbsp Cornstarch
- ▢2 Tbsp Cold Water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Catalina Salad Dressing, Peach Preserves, Onion Soup Mix and Pepper.
- Place the chicken in a 6 quart crock pot. Pour the Catalina dressing mixture over the top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-2.5 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Mix the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl. Stir this mixture into the crock pot for the last 30 minutes of the cooking time to thicken the sauce.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!
Notes
This is delicious served over rice or slice and serve over the top of your favorite salad.
Recipe Tips Programmable crock pot – Great for when you are going to be away.
Liners– We use crock pot liners to just toss and go. You will love how easy clean up is.
Chicken – Approximately 6 Chicken Breasts but I often cut them up into smaller pieces to make it easier for the kids. We recommend cutting or cooking about the same size to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Meat Thermometer – Cooking time will vary so we recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure is fully cooked before serving.
Variations Ideas Chicken – You can also use skinless chicken thighs, chicken tenderloin or anything you prefer. Pork chops also work in this recipe and taste delicious.
Jelly – You can also use apricot preserves like in this Crock Pot Apricot Chicken recipe.
Seasoning – Sometimes I add in red pepper flakes for extra heat with the black pepper. Nutrition Facts
Calories 603kcal, Carbohydrates 35g, Protein 47g, Fat 28g, Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 145mg, Sodium 680mg, Potassium 526mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 25g, Vitamin A 190IU, Vitamin C 2mg, Calcium 33mg, Iron 2mg
Creative Variations and Tips
Meal Prep and Leftover Ideas
Leftover Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is even more flavorful the next day after the sauce fully soaks in. Store cooled chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in single-serve portions for 3 months. To reheat, gently warm leftovers covered in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to restore sauce consistency if needed. Serve reheated chicken over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or tucked into wraps for quick, portable lunches and dinners. Chopped leftover chicken works beautifully tossed with fresh greens, nuts, and more dressing for an easy salad. Use the sticky sauce and shredded chicken to fill sliders or serve on baguettes for easy party snacks.
Cooking Tips for Success
For best results, use chicken breasts of similar size so they cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor. Cut larger breasts into smaller pieces if needed, or mix breast and thigh for extra richness. A programmable crock pot works wonders for busy schedules, letting you set your cooking time and walk away. Crock pot liners ensure quick cleanup—simply toss when you’re done. Use a meat thermometer to avoid under- or overcooking. To thicken sauce, always stir in cornstarch slurry with 30 minutes left on the timer. If you want a lower carb version, use sugar-free preserves or dressings, and serve with cauliflower rice or steamed greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pork instead of chicken?
Yes, pork chops work wonderfully in Crock Pot Catalina Chicken. Cook as you would the chicken, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F before serving for the juiciest result.
What vegetables pair well with this recipe?
Steamed broccoli, green beans, corn, and roasted potatoes all complement the sweet and tangy flavors of Catalina chicken. Try it over mixed greens as a salad for a lighter meal.
How can I lower the sugar?
Swap peach preserves for no-sugar-added jelly, or use a reduced-sugar Catalina dressing. Use apricot or apple butter for natural sweetness and serve with extra vegetables to cut down carbs.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Prep all ingredients, then refrigerate in the crock pot insert overnight and start cooking the next day. The chicken and sauce flavors deepen even more as they rest before slow cooking.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is sweet, tangy, and irresistibly easy—turning pantry staples into a dinner that’s always a hit. The sticky, bold glaze makes tender chicken sing, pairing perfectly with rice, salads, or vegetables. With simple slow cooker prep and easy serving options, this is a family favorite you’ll want on repeat for busy nights or casual entertaining. Creative swaps mean you can adapt it for any crowd or craving, and leftovers only get better with time.
