Easy and Flavorful Catalina Chicken

This baked Catalina Chicken is smothered in a tasty sweet and tangy sauce that is bursting with flavor. You only need six ingredients and a few minutes of prep to get dinner on the table!

I got this recipe from a good friend several years ago. Her recipe called for more catalina dressing, and while it was tasty, it turned the chicken a strange neon pink color.

After experimenting a few times, I finally settled on a recipe that thought was worthy of sharing.

• Browning the chicken adds a rich depth of flavor, and means less time in the oven.
• Using more jam than dressing adds a nice fresh fruit flavor, and cuts down on the crazy pink color that comes with too much catalina.
• A bit of worcestershire adds a perfect savory flavor that balances out the sweet sauce.

HOW TO MAKE CATALINA CHICKEN

1. PREP – Preheat your oven to 350°. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray. (I should have used a casserole dish, the 9×13″ pan was a little too large.)
2. SEAR CHICKEN – In a large non stick skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat. Brown the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side. (No need to cook them through, just brown the exterior.) Transfer the chicken to the pan.
3. SAUCE – Whisk together the jam, dressing, dry onion soup, and worcestershire in a small bowl. Pour over the chicken.
4. BAKE – Bake the chicken at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Tip: If you want a thicker coating, leave the chicken uncovered. For a thinner sauce, cover the pan with foil.
5. SERVE – Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes, then serve hot over cooked rice. Add a fresh salad or vegetables to complete the meal.

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Catalina chicken recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. So grab a plate and dig in!

Leftover chicken?

If you have any leftovers, they will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. I recommend storing the rice and chicken separately.

To reheat, I like to cover the chicken and reheat it in the microwave for just a minute. You can add water to thin out the sauce

I personally like to slice up the leftover chicken and serve it over a bed of greens and fresh veggies for a tasty salad. You can use additional Catalina dressing, but I’m a big fan of ranch. 🙂

PRO TIPS:

• The best way to ensure that your chicken is juicy is to use a meat thermometer. I made a meat temperature chart and got a meater thermometer a few years back, and it has been a game changer. No more dry chicken breast!
• I always use homemade freezer jam, and it is so tasty. But if you don’t have homemade, make sure to buy a good quality jam for best flavor.

What to serve with chicken catalina:

• We like to serve it with white rice to soak up the sweet sauce. Brown rice, orzo, or quinoa would also work well.
• Oven roasted cauliflower or roasted green beans are tasty sides.
• You can’t go wrong with a simple side salad, or even a bagged salad.
• Vegetables like zucchini and carrots add a nice pop of color.
• Homemade French bread makes an irresistible side to any meal!

VARIATIONS

• Peach or apricot jam are traditional for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other flavors of jam. I think orange marmalade or grape jam would be particularly tasty.
• Sometimes I add some pineapple chunks and diced green peppers with the sauce. Tasty!
• Feel free to use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• If you don’t want to dirty two pans, you can skip the step of browning the chicken. It does add a nice layer of flavor though! Keep in mind that your chicken will take longer to bake.

MORE EASY CHICKEN RECIPES:

• Chicken Fajita Quesadilla
• Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
• Chicken Cesar Wrap
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

CATALINA CHICKEN RECIPE

When you need a quick and easy dinner recipe and are in the mood for something sweet and tangy, this catalina dressing chicken is the perfect solution!