Braised Catalina Chicken is a delicious, tender, and easy-to-make main dish perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting recipe features juicy chicken smothered in a tangy Catalina sauce that simmers to perfection. It’s beginner-friendly and uses simple pantry staples you likely have on hand. Pair it with my Chicken Wellington for an elegant twist on chicken dinners or serve alongside a fresh side salad for a complete meal everyone will love.
Why You'll Love Braised Catalina Chicken – Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Enjoy tender, flavorful Braised Catalina Chicken made easy in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick, family-friendly weeknight meal with pantry staples.
- Simple one-pan recipe with minimal prep and cleanup
- Uses easy, pantry staple ingredients for quick cooking
- Perfectly tender chicken infused with sweet and tangy Catalina sauce
- Great for meal prep and tasty leftovers
Ingredients for Braised Catalina Chicken – Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Catalina Salad Dressing: Use your favorite brand or homemade Catalina dressing. Substitute with a mix of ketchup and vinegar for similar tang.Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless thighs are best for tenderness. Substitute with chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time.
- Catalina Salad Dressing: Use your favorite brand or homemade Catalina dressing. Substitute with a mix of ketchup and vinegar for similar tang.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless skinless thighs are best for tenderness. Substitute with chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Braised Catalina Chicken – Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Braised Catalina Chicken – Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Sear thighs 3–4 minutes each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add sliced onions and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in Catalina dressing and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits.
Expert Tips for Braised Catalina Chicken – Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
- For extra crispiness, broil chicken for 2–3 minutes after braising.
- Use a cast iron skillet for better searing and even heat distribution.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for a complete one-pan meal.
Braised Catalina Chicken – Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Enjoy tender, flavorful Braised Catalina Chicken made easy in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick, family-friendly weeknight meal with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing (or store-bought Catalina sauce)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
How to Make Braised Catalina Chicken
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Sear thighs 3–4 minutes each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add sliced onions and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in Catalina dressing and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits.
- Braise Chicken: Return chicken to skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Uncover and simmer a few minutes to thicken sauce if needed. Sprinkle with optional toppings like fresh herbs or cheese before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Braised Catalina Chicken – Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes! Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently before serving for best flavor.
You can mix ketchup with a bit of vinegar and sugar for a quick homemade substitute.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Overcooking can dry chicken out; keep simmering times as listed and use bone-in thighs for juicier results.
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