Fast & Easy Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Catalina Sauce

If you’re looking for a simple, yet flavorful meal that requires minimal prep, this Fast & Easy Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Catalina Sauce is just what you need. Perfect for busy weeknights or a hassle-free dinner, this recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy, sweet sauce made from Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix. The slow cooker does all the hard work, ensuring that your chicken comes out perfectly juicy and bursting with flavor. If you’re craving a dish that’s both easy to make and packs a punch with its sweet and savory flavor profile, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for!

The best part of this dish is that it’s incredibly hands-off. You simply combine the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The addition of Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness of the apricot preserves. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress with its rich and vibrant taste, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Let’s get into how you can create this quick and delicious recipe in just a few simple steps!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer when it comes to easy weeknight dinners. Not only does it require minimal prep, but the result is a juicy and flavorful chicken dish that’s packed with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. Thanks to the slow cooker, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and falls apart easily, while the sauce thickens to create a rich coating for the meat. The balance of flavors from the Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix creates a mouthwatering sauce that can be served over rice, potatoes, or vegetables. Plus, with just a few ingredients, this dish is as convenient as it is tasty. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

• Chicken breasts (4-6, trimmed of fat)
• Catalina dressing
• Apricot preserves
• Onion soup mix
• Optional: Sriracha sauce
• Cornstarch
• Cold water

Variations

While this recipe is already delicious on its own, here are a few ways to make it your own:

• Spice it Up: If you love spicy food, increase the amount of Sriracha sauce or add some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce to find the perfect level of heat.
• Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal, throw in some vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions into the slow cooker. These will cook along with the chicken and absorb the flavorful sauce.
• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. The result will be even more tender and juicy.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them evenly.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, onion soup mix, and Sriracha sauce (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is fully covered with the sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Remove the Chicken and Keep Warm

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on an ovenproof serving platter. Keep them warm in a low-temperature oven.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

To thicken the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Whisk this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker and turn the heat to high. Cover the slow cooker and allow the sauce to thicken for 5-8 minutes.

Step 8: Serve the Chicken

Once the sauce has thickened, spoon it generously over the chicken breasts. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Slow cookers vary, so make sure to check the chicken after 4 hours to avoid overcooking it. If the chicken is already at 165°F, remove it sooner.
• Add extra flavor: Experiment with different dressings or jams to create unique flavors. Try using a raspberry or peach jam in place of the apricot preserves for a fruity twist.
• For crispy edges: After slow cooking, you can place the chicken under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to give the edges a bit of crispiness, if desired.

How to Serve

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also enjoy it with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal. For a lighter option, serve the chicken with a side of green beans or a fresh salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a saucepan or microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much in the freezer, simply add a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers by warming them in a slow cooker on low heat or in a saucepan over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute and will result in an even more tender dish.

2. Can I use a different type of jam instead of apricot preserves?

You can substitute apricot preserves with other fruit jams like peach, strawberry, or raspberry for a different flavor.

3. Can I cook this on high heat in the slow cooker?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for 2-3 hours instead of the low setting.

4. Is the Sriracha sauce necessary?

No, Sriracha sauce is optional. You can leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor or substitute it with crushed red pepper flakes.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before and refrigerate it. Just cook it in the slow cooker the next day.

6. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.

7. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking it in the slow cooker, as cooking from frozen can affect the texture and cook time.

8. Can I make this recipe without the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a covered pot on the stove, simmering the sauce until it thickens and the chicken reaches 165°F.

9. How spicy is the recipe?

The spiciness depends on how much Sriracha or crushed red pepper you add. For a mild version, leave out the Sriracha sauce altogether.

10. Can I use other salad dressings instead of Catalina dressing?

Yes, you can try using a French dressing or a creamy vinaigrette, though the flavor will change slightly.

Conclusion

Fast & Easy Slow Cooker Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Catalina Sauce is the perfect solution for a hassle-free, flavorful dinner. The tender chicken combined with the sweet and tangy sauce creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for guests, this easy recipe will make dinner time a breeze. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!

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