Braised Catalina Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe creates tender, juicy chicken smothered in a tangy, slightly sweet Catalina sauce made from simple pantry staples. It’s beginner-friendly and comes together quickly, making it a family-friendly comfort food everyone will love. For a perfect meal, pair it with my Chicken Wellington recipe for a special dinner or serve alongside a fresh side.
Why You'll Love Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe - Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Discover an easy and flavorful Braised Catalina Chicken recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken in a tangy sauce made with pantry staples.
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal effort.
- Uses common pantry staples and simple ingredients.
- Deliciously tender chicken with a tangy and slightly sweet sauce.
- Perfect for weeknight meals and family dinners.
Ingredients for Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe - Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for even cooking. Substitute with thighs for juicier meat.Catalina dressing: Choose a good quality Catalina or tangy Italian dressing. Substitute with homemade sauce using ketchup, vinegar, and paprika.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for even cooking. Substitute with thighs for juicier meat.
- Catalina dressing: Choose a good quality Catalina or tangy Italian dressing. Substitute with homemade sauce using ketchup, vinegar, and paprika.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe - Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe - Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden, then remove from skillet.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Catalina dressing, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
Expert Tips for Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe - Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
- Use organic or free-range chicken for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook to keep chicken moist and juicy.
- Adjust sweetness and tanginess by modifying ketchup and vinegar.
Braised Catalina Chicken Recipe - Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Discover an easy and flavorful Braised Catalina Chicken recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken in a tangy sauce made with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Catalina dressing
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
How to Make Braised Catalina Chicken
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden, then remove from skillet.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in Catalina dressing, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Braise the chicken: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over. Cover and simmer on low heat 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
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 Recipe - Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes, it tastes even better the next day after flavors meld. Store in the fridge and reheat gently.
Mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and a little smoked paprika to mimic the flavor.
Keep in airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Overcooking is likely the cause; be sure to simmer gently and avoid cooking too long after the sauce is added.
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