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 simple ingredients and cooks in one pan.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
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.
Heat the Pan
- Add olive oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium-high. Make sure the oil covers the pan surface evenly.
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.
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.
Add Catalina Dressing
- Pour Catalina dressing over the vegetables. Stir gently to mix. Make sure the sauce covers the vegetables evenly.
Return Chicken to Pan
- Place the browned chicken back in the skillet. Spoon some sauce over each piece. Reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer Until Done
- Cover the pan and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F internally. Sauce should thicken slightly.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. Serve hot with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- 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