Catalina Chicken Recipe with Just 5 Ingredients – So Simple & Delicious!

When you’re looking for a meal that checks all the boxes—quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—this Catalina Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to get dinner on the table, or you’re craving a flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is a game-changer. The best part? It only takes 5 simple ingredients and minimal prep. It’s comfort food at its finest, made effortlessly.

Imagine coming home after a long day, and within an hour, you’re sitting down to a flavorful, juicy chicken dish that everyone in the family will love. What makes this Catalina Chicken Recipe so special is the balance of sweet and tangy flavors, with a delicious glaze that transforms simple chicken into an extraordinary dish.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this easy recipe, including variations, tips, and serving suggestions. Get ready to make Catalina Chicken a go-to recipe in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Catalina Chicken Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make this recipe. In fact, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. With just 5 core ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time at the stove. You’ll love how effortlessly you can create a flavorful, tender dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours cooking.

2. Perfect for Busy Weeknights

We all know how hectic life can be, especially during the week. Between work, school, activities, and everything else, making dinner can feel like a huge task. But with this Catalina Chicken Recipe, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes, including prep and cooking time. Whether you’re rushing to get dinner on the table or need a quick fix for a family gathering, this recipe is here to save the day.

3. Family-Friendly Flavor

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s family-approved. The sweet and tangy flavors of the Catalina dressing create a glaze that everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy. The rich flavors seep into the chicken, leaving it moist and tender. This dish is guaranteed to become a crowd-pleaser at your dinner table.

4. Versatile and Customizable

Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your personal taste. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar, or substitute the onion soup mix with a homemade seasoning blend. Plus, you can make it in a slow cooker or in the oven—whatever works best for you. This recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful.

5-Ingredient Catalina Chicken Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless skinless chicken breasts	4 pieces
Catalina salad dressing	1 cup
Onion soup mix (dry)	1 packet
Brown sugar	1/2 cup
French dressing (optional for mix)	1/4 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown glaze.
2. Mix the Sauce
   In a mixing bowl, combine Catalina salad dressing, onion soup mix, and brown sugar. Stir the mixture together until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are fully combined. This sauce is what gives the chicken its signature sweet and tangy flavor.
3. Prepare the Chicken
   Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish. You can use a 9×13-inch dish or something similar, making sure the chicken pieces are spaced out evenly.
4. Coat the Chicken
   Pour the Catalina dressing mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are coated evenly. If you like a thicker glaze, you can pour extra sauce over the top of the chicken during the baking process.
5. Bake the Chicken
   Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). You can check for doneness using a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

Quick Tips for Best Results

Marinate for Extra Flavor

For an even richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the Catalina dressing mixture for a few hours (or overnight) before baking. This will allow the chicken to absorb more of the flavors, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful dish.

Customize the Sauce

Feel free to get creative with the sauce. You can add minced garlic, onion powder, or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of spice. The Catalina dressing provides a tangy base, but adding your own twist can elevate the flavor profile.

Serve with Your Favorite Sides

Catalina chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The sweet and savory sauce will add flavor to whatever side you choose.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your Catalina Chicken Recipe:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery flavor of mashed potatoes complements the tangy chicken sauce beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: Fresh, crisp vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots make for a nutritious side that balances out the richness of the chicken.
• Rice: Whether you choose white rice, brown rice, or even fried rice, the sauce from the chicken will soak into the rice, making each bite a flavorful experience.
• Roasted Potatoes: If you’re looking for a comforting side, roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic will pair perfectly with the sweet and tangy chicken.

Nutritional Info and Healthy Swaps

If you’re looking to make this recipe a little healthier, here are some swaps you can try:

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbs: ~15g
• Fat: ~15g

Healthy Swaps

• Low-Sodium Dressing: Use low-sodium Catalina dressing to reduce the overall sodium content.
• Sugar-Free: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Add Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or spinach to the baking dish to boost the nutritional value of the meal.

How to Store & Reheat Catalina Chicken

Storage

Store leftover Catalina Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing it to prevent excess moisture from building up in the container.

Freezing

You can also freeze Catalina Chicken for up to 2 months. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Catalina dressing and can I make it at home?

Catalina dressing is a sweet, tangy tomato-based dressing typically made from ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. You can make a homemade version by combining ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They are slightly more flavorful and stay juicy even after baking. Simply adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Can I make Catalina Chicken in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! For the slow cooker version, simply add the chicken breasts and the sauce ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Conclusion: Try This Sweet and Tangy Favorite Tonight!

If you’re searching for an easy, delicious, and family-friendly dinner, look no further than this Catalina Chicken Recipe with Just 5 Ingredients. Not only is it a breeze to make, but the sweet and tangy sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. So next time you’re in need of a quick dinner solution, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!