Catalina Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy sauce. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Picture succulent pieces of chicken coated in a delectable sauce made from pantry staples like soy sauce and brown sugar. The combination creates a mouthwatering meal that pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, Catalina Chicken delivers satisfaction without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about preparing this dish, including the ingredients you’ll need and step-by-step instructions to make it just right.
Why You’ll Love This Catalina Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Catalina Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many people you’re feeding; they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic adds depth to the sauce.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of your dish while maintaining flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps balance the savory flavors of the soy sauce.
- Ketchup: Ketchup contributes a rich base flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of the sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Catalina Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides for enhanced flavor before cooking.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and any additional spices you desire.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Place the seasoned chicken in your prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce evenly over each piece of chicken ensuring they are well coated.
Step 5: Bake in Oven
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce from the baking dish for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken in the sauce overnight before baking
How to Serve Catalina Chicken
This Catalina Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce one day in advance. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking, then store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave on medium power for about five minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Suggestions for Catalina Chicken:
Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
Overcooking your Catalina Chicken can result in dry, tough meat that lacks flavor. To ensure you achieve a moist and tender chicken, monitor the cooking time closely. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you’re using bone-in chicken, it may require a few additional minutes. Remember that even after you remove the chicken from heat, it will continue to cook slightly due to residual heat. Allowing your chicken to rest for about five minutes before slicing can help lock in juices and enhance its overall taste.
Choose Quality Ingredients
The quality of ingredients significantly impacts the final flavor of your Catalina Chicken. Opt for fresh, high-quality vegetables and preferably organic chicken. Using canned or frozen ingredients may compromise the dish’s taste and texture. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate your dish, while dried spices should be checked for freshness too. If possible, select products with no added preservatives or artificial flavors. High-quality olive oil will also enhance the flavor profile of your sauce and help achieve that perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Don’t Skip Marinading
Marinating is an essential step in preparing Catalina Chicken. Skipping this process can lead to bland flavors in your dish. A good marinade adds depth and enhances the overall taste by allowing the ingredients to penetrate the meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time, but if you have more time, let it sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This helps break down proteins in the chicken, making it more tender while absorbing all those delicious flavors from your marinade.
Mind Your Cooking Method
The cooking method you choose can greatly influence how your Catalina Chicken turns out. Avoid cooking it at too high a temperature as this can lead to uneven cooking and burnt exterior while leaving the inside underdone. Searing on high heat followed by slow cooking is an excellent method to achieve juicy results while developing complex flavors. Whether you decide to grill, bake, or sauté, always keep an eye on your chicken to ensure it cooks evenly without drying out.
FAQs:
What is Catalina Chicken?
Catalina Chicken is a flavorful dish made primarily with chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce featuring Catalina dressing, which blends tomato-based flavors with spices and herbs. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes during cooking, resulting in tender, juicy chicken infused with rich flavor profiles. Often paired with rice or vegetables, Catalina Chicken offers a delightful balance between savory and sweet tastes that makes it popular among families looking for easy and satisfying meal options.
How long does it take to cook Catalina Chicken?
The cooking time for Catalina Chicken varies depending on the method used and the thickness of the chicken pieces. Typically, when baking at 375°F (190°C), boneless chicken breasts take about 25-30 minutes to cook through fully. If you’re grilling or pan-searing, aim for about 6-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). To ensure optimal tenderness and juiciness, always let them rest after cooking before slicing into them.
Can I make Catalina Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Catalina Chicken ahead of time either by marinating it in advance or by cooking it fully beforehand. For marinating, allow the chicken to soak in its marinade for several hours or overnight; this not only saves time on busy nights but also enhances flavor. If you’ve already cooked it, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheating is easy; just warm gently on low heat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through without drying out.
What sides pair well with Catalina Chicken?
Catalina Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its sweet-savory profile. Classic options include fluffy white rice or quinoa that absorb excess sauce beautifully. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts offer a nice contrast in texture and flavor. For something refreshing, consider serving a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette on the side. Mashed potatoes are another comforting choice that balances well with this delicious dish.
Conclusion for Catalina Chicken:
In summary, achieving perfect Catalina Chicken involves careful attention to detail throughout preparation and cooking processes. Avoid overcooking by monitoring temperatures closely while opting for high-quality ingredients ensures robust flavors shine through in your dish. Don’t forget how essential marinating is; it’s crucial for infusing taste into your chicken! Moreover, choosing an appropriate cooking method impacts both texture and overall satisfaction when enjoying this delightful meal with family or friends. By following these suggestions and guidelines closely, you’ll create a delectable experience worthy of any dinner table!

Catalina Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Catalina Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. This easy-to-follow recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and ketchup. The result is a succulent chicken that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside fresh vegetables to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, Catalina Chicken is sure to impress with its delightful taste and effortless preparation.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and minced garlic.
- Place seasoned chicken in the baking dish and pour the sauce evenly over it.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with additional sauce drizzled over the top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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