Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe

The Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe is sweet, tangy and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It uses simpleBraised Catalina Chicken Recipeingredients and cooks in one pan.

The chicken turns tender and juicy, coated in Catalina sauce. I love how fast and easy it is to make. If you want to learn how to make Braised Catalina Chicken, this guide will help.

The ingredients for Braised Catalina Chicken are easy to find in any grocery store. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight. I wanted a meal that tasted special without much effort. The chicken cooked perfectly.

The Catalina sauce gave it a sweet, tangy flavor. My family loved it with mashed potatoes and rice. Leftovers were just as good the next day.

It became an instant favorite. Now, I make Braised Catalina Chicken at least once a month. It is simple, delicious and everyone asks for seconds.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Plate for resting chicken

Ingredients You Need for Braised Catalina Chicken

• Chicken breasts or thighs – 4 pieces
• Catalina dressing – ¾ cup
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
• Onion, chopped – 1 medium
• Bell pepper, chopped – 1 medium
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. This helps the chicken cook evenly and taste better.

2. Heat the Pan

Add olive oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium-high. Make sure the oil covers the pan surface evenly.

3. Brown the Chicken

Place the chicken in the skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side. The outside should turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables

Add chopped onion, bell pepper and garlic to the skillet. Stir for 2–3 minutes until soft. This adds flavor to the sauce.

5. Add Catalina Dressing

Pour Catalina dressing over the vegetables. Stir gently to mix. Make sure the sauce covers the vegetables evenly.

6. Return Chicken to Pan

Place the browned chicken back in the skillet. Spoon some sauce over each piece. Reduce heat to medium-low.

7. Simmer Until Done

Cover the pan and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F internally. Sauce should thicken slightly.

8. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. Serve hot with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Tips to Make the Best Braised Catalina Chicken

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning
• Brown chicken for extra flavor
• Simmer on medium-low to keep chicken tender
• Stir vegetables occasionally to prevent sticking
• Use fresh vegetables for best taste

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking chicken, which makes it dry
• Skipping browning, which reduces flavor
• Using low-quality Catalina dressing
• Cooking on high heat, which burns sauce
• Not covering while simmering, losing moisture

Serving Suggestions

Serve Braised Catalina Chicken with white rice or mashed potatoes. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad pair well.

This dish also works with pasta or quinoa. Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken for added flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley for a colorful presentation.

Variations You Can Try

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor
• Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce
• Mix in pineapple chunks for a sweet twist
• Substitute Catalina dressing with French dressing for a slightly different taste
• Use bell peppers of different colors for visual appeal

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge
• Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat
• Add a splash of water or broth if sauce is too thick
• Avoid microwaving for long to prevent dryness

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380 kcal
Fat	18 g
Protein	32 g
Carbs	12 g
Sodium	680 mg

Health Benefits

This Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe is rich in protein, which helps build and repair muscles. Using fresh vegetables adds vitamins and minerals.

Olive oil provides healthy fats. Cooking at home lets you control sodium and sugar. It is a wholesome meal suitable for family dinners or healthy eating plans.

FAQs about Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw completely before cooking. Frozen chicken will release water and may dilute the sauce.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Combine and heat before serving. Flavors will improve after sitting for a few hours.

What sides go best with Braised Catalina Chicken?
White rice, mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables are perfect. You can also serve it with pasta or quinoa for a hearty meal.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs stay juicier and have more flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is there a vegetarian version?
You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower steaks. Simmer in Catalina dressing for similar sweet and tangy flavors.

Final Thoughts

The Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe is simple, flavorful and perfect for busy weeknights. It uses easy ingredients and cooks in one pan.

Once you learn how to make Braised Catalina Chicken, you can serve it for family meals, parties or casual dinners.

The ingredients for Braised Catalina Chicken are always easy to find and the result is juicy, tender and full of flavor. Try this recipe and enjoy a quick, delicious and colorful meal everyone will love.