Catalina Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious Recipe

Catalina Chicken: Just the name conjures up images of sunny skies and vibrant flavors, doesn’t it? This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary passport to a sweet and tangy paradise! Imagine tender, juicy chicken glazed in a luscious, ruby-red sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a fiesta of flavor?

While the exact origins of Catalina Chicken are debated, many believe it gained popularity in the mid-20th century, riding the wave of convenience cooking and the growing fascination with sweet and savory combinations. The star of the show, Catalina dressing, was a relatively new and exciting ingredient at the time, offering a shortcut to a complex flavor profile. It quickly became a family favorite, passed down through generations.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that dance on your palate. The chicken remains incredibly moist, thanks to the glaze, and the slight char from baking or grilling adds a delightful textural contrast. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this Catalina Chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the Catalina Sauce:
• 1 cup Catalina salad dressing
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• For Serving (Optional):
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Steamed broccoli or other vegetables, for serving

Preparing the Chicken:

Alright, let’s get started! First, we’re going to prep our chicken. This step is crucial for getting that nice, slightly crispy exterior that holds the sauce beautifully.

1. Cube the Chicken: Take your chicken breasts and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly. Nobody wants some pieces overcooked and others undercooked!
2. Coat the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated with the cornstarch mixture. This coating is what will give us that slightly crispy texture when we cook it. Toss it all together until the chicken is evenly coated. Don’t be shy – get in there with your hands to make sure everything is well combined.

Making the Catalina Sauce:

Now, for the star of the show – the Catalina sauce! This sauce is what gives the dish its signature sweet and tangy flavor. It’s super easy to make, and you can adjust the ingredients to your liking.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Catalina salad dressing, apricot preserves, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure everything is well combined. The apricot preserves might need a little extra whisking to break them down.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn.
3. Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. If you want it tangier, add a splash more rice vinegar. If you want it spicier, add a pinch more red pepper flakes. This is your chance to make the sauce perfect for your taste buds!

Cooking the Chicken:

Time to cook the chicken! We want to get it nice and golden brown before adding the sauce.

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. You can test it by flicking a tiny drop of water into the skillet – if it sizzles, it’s ready.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the coated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Drain Excess Oil (Optional): If there’s a lot of excess oil in the skillet after cooking the chicken, you can drain it off before proceeding to the next step. This will help prevent the dish from being too greasy.

Combining Chicken and Sauce:

Now for the grand finale – bringing the chicken and sauce together!

1. Add the Sauce: Pour the Catalina sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken and sauce simmer together for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the sauce to thicken further and the chicken to absorb the flavors. The sauce should become glossy and cling to the chicken.
3. Check for Doneness: Make sure the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

Serving Suggestions:

Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious Catalina Chicken!

1. Serve Over Rice: Serve the Catalina Chicken over cooked white rice. The rice will soak up all that delicious sauce.
2. Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Add Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or other vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
4. Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy your homemade Catalina Chicken! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking. Just make sure to trim off any excess fat before cubing them.
• Pineapple: Add chunks of pineapple to the skillet along with the chicken for a tropical twist. The pineapple will caramelize slightly and add a burst of sweetness and acidity.
• Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers (any color) to the skillet along with the chicken for added flavor and texture. The bell peppers will soften and become slightly sweet as they cook.
• Spicy Version: If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Honey: Substitute honey for the brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. Honey will add a floral sweetness to the sauce.
• Orange Juice: Add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can make the Catalina sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before adding it to the chicken.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

Storage Instructions:

To properly store your Catalina Chicken, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
• Fat: 15-25 grams

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Catalina Chicken! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Catalina Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking about a dish that’s both weeknight-friendly and impressive enough to serve to guests. The sweet and tangy Catalina dressing creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven, resulting in chicken that’s juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. It’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to method, feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Pairing: Serve this Catalina Chicken with a side of fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully!
* Mediterranean Twist: For a Mediterranean flair, try serving it with couscous, roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce.
* Salad Sensation: Slice the cooked chicken and toss it into a vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy it during warmer months.
* Potato Power: Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even sweet potato fries are all excellent companions to this flavorful chicken.
* Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished dish.
* Pineapple Paradise: Add chunks of pineapple to the baking dish during the last 15 minutes of cooking for an extra burst of sweetness and tropical flavor.
* Slow Cooker Option: For an even easier weeknight meal, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Simply place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour the Catalina dressing mixture over it, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and serve as desired.
* Grilled Goodness: During the summer months, this chicken is fantastic grilled! Marinate the chicken as directed, then grill over medium heat until cooked through, basting with the marinade as it cooks.
* Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into cubes, marinate, and thread onto skewers with vegetables like onions, peppers, and zucchini for a fun and flavorful appetizer or main course.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. It’s one of those dishes that consistently delivers, and I know you’ll love it as much as my family and I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations and make it your own signature dish.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and deliciousness of this Catalina Chicken.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, comments, and any variations you tried in the comments section below. Let me know what you served it with, what you thought of the flavor, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!