If you’re craving a dinner that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors, look no further than Crock Pot Catalina Chicken. This sweet and savory slow cooker meal combines tender chicken with tangy Catalina dressing, savory onion soup mix, and the unexpected twist of cranberry sauce. The result? A crowd-pleasing dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day.
Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting friends for a casual dinner, Catalina Chicken is a go-to recipe. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort—a winning combination for home cooks everywhere.
In this article, you’ll discover how to make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken from scratch, explore clever variations, get expert tips, and learn why this recipe is beloved in kitchens across America.
History of Catalina Chicken: How This Sweet & Savory Classic Became a Favorite
The origins of Catalina Chicken can be traced back to mid-20th-century American home cooking, when combining bottled sauces with protein became a popular kitchen shortcut. Catalina dressing—a bright, tangy, tomato-based salad dressing—quickly made its way from salads to savory main dishes.
Home cooks started experimenting, pairing the dressing with pantry staples like onion soup mix and cranberry sauce. This combination created a unique balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, leading to the invention of recipes like Catalina Chicken. Over time, the slow cooker version became a staple because it required little effort but delivered incredible taste.
Today, it’s not just a nostalgic recipe; it’s a modern family favorite, thanks to its convenience and versatility.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Here are 7 delicious reasons to add this dish to your weekly rotation:
- Effortless Cooking – Toss everything into the crockpot and let it cook while you relax.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors – Sweet Catalina dressing, tart cranberry sauce, and savory soup mix create the perfect blend.
- Family-Friendly – Kids and adults love it. It’s not too spicy, but still packed with flavor.
- Affordable Ingredients – No need for fancy groceries; pantry staples work perfectly.
- Versatile Serving Options – Serve over rice, potatoes, or shred for sandwiches and wraps.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make extra and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Perfect for Special Occasions or Weeknights – Dress it up or keep it casual—this recipe works for both.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Busy families need a stress-free dinner
- Beginner cooks looking for a foolproof meal
- Slow cooker enthusiasts who love set-it-and-forget-it recipes
- Meal preppers wanting batch-friendly dinners
- Anyone craving comfort food with a sweet and savory twist
Ingredients for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make 4–6 servings:
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 4 pieces (about 2 lbs) |
| Catalina dressing | 1 cup |
| Dry onion soup mix | 1 packet (about 1 oz) |
| Whole berry cranberry sauce | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Cornstarch + water (optional) | 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening sauce) |
Optional substitutions:
- Use low-sugar Catalina dressing for a healthier option
- Try apricot preserves or pineapple juice instead of cranberry for a tropical twist
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results
How to Make Crock Pot Catalina Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crock pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing, cranberry sauce, and onion soup mix until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
- Low heat: 5–6 hours
- High heat: 3–4 hours
Check for doneness—the chicken should be fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Optional Sauce Thickening
If you prefer a thicker sauce:
- Remove the chicken from the pot
- Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water
- Stir the slurry into the sauce
- Cook on high for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens
- Return the chicken to the pot and coat with sauce
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or with steamed vegetables.
Best Kitchen Tools for Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
| Tool | Why You Need It |
| Slow cooker (4–6 qt) | For even, hands-off cooking |
| Mixing bowl & spoon | To blend the sauce ingredients |
| Tongs or serving spoon | To handle the cooked chicken safely |
| Instant-read thermometer | Optional, for perfect doneness |
Expert Tips for the Best Catalina Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Don’t overcook on high—chicken can dry out quickly.
- Let it rest in the sauce after cooking for a richer flavor.
- Shred the chicken if you prefer a pulled chicken style dish for wraps or sandwiches.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra depth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results:
| Mistake | Why Avoid It |
| Overfilling the crock pot | Causes uneven cooking |
| Using frozen chicken directly | Leads to food safety risks |
| Skipping seasoning | The sauce is flavorful, but the chicken needs salt, too, tooo |
| Removing the lid too often | Slows down cooking time |
| Adding too much liquid | Sauce may get too watery |
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Crock Pot Catalina Chicken with:
- White or brown rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Dinner rolls or garlic toast
For a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken in:
- Sandwich rolls
- Lettuce wraps
- Taco shells for a sweet & savory taco night
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Guide
| Storage Method | How Long? |
| Refrigerator (airtight) | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer (airtight) | Up to 2 months (freeze with sauce) |
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave in short bursts with a splash of broth
- Reheat on stovetop over low heat
- Use leftovers in sandwiches, rice bowls, or wraps
Variations to Try
| Variation | What to Do |
| Low-Sugar Version | Use sugar-free Catalina dressing |
| Spicy Catalina Chicken | Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce |
| Gluten-Free Option | Use gluten-free soup mix & dressing |
| Tropical Twist | Swap cranberry sauce for pineapple chunks |
| Protein Swap | Try pork chops or turkey cutlets |
Nutritional Insights (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients.
FAQs About Crock Pot Catalina Chicken
Can I use homemade Catalina dressing?
Yes! As long as it has a sweet and tangy profile.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs?
Absolutely—they stay moist and flavorful.
Can I cook it on high to save time?
Yes, but check after 3 hours to prevent overcooking.
What can I use instead of cranberry sauce?
Try apricot preserves or pineapple for a fruity twist.
Final Thoughts: Comfort Food Made Easy
Crock Pot Catalina Chicken is the perfect recipe for anyone who wants big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a classic, comforting dish that’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.
Make it once, and chances are you’ll add it to your regular rotation. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, pin it for later, and subscribe to our blog for more easy slow cooker favorites!
