Finding time to cook a meal that warms your heart can feel like a chore. Imagine coming home after a long day, tired and frazzled, yet craving something comforting. That’s where this Catalina chicken recipe comes in.
It’s made with tender chicken breasts and a tangy marinade. The marinade is a mix of ketchup, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. It’s an easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for weeknights. It also brings back memories of shared meals with family.
Key Takeaways
- A delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Utilizes common pantry staples you likely already have.
- A crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love.
- Quick and simple preparation makes it a go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Catalina Chicken
This Catalina Chicken recipe is a hit for many reasons. It’s easy to make in one pan, saving you time and effort. You only need common ingredients, making it simple to whip up a delicious meal fast.
One‑pan simplicity with pantry staples
Imagine cooking a great meal with just one pan and no mess. Catalina Chicken is perfect for this, needing only one pan. Plus, you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry. It’s ideal for busy nights or when you’re short on time.
Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
This dish is a flavor dream, with a mix of sweet, tangy, and savory. It’s a hit with everyone, making it great for family meals. Its bold flavors ensure there’s something for everyone to love.
Crowd‑pleasing comfort food—ideal for weeknights or meal prep
Catalina Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s comfort food at its best. It’s perfect for family dinners or weeknights. You can also make it ahead, making it a quick and tasty option for any day.
Catalina Chicken Recipe
This catalina chicken recipe is perfect for those looking to create a delicious marinade. It brings out the best flavors in chicken. Follow this handy guide to ensure your flavorful chicken dish impresses everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
- 2 large red bell peppers, cut into 1/4-inch strips
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
Quick Tips for Perfect Results
Making Catalina Chicken a quick and tasty dinner is easy. Just follow a few simple tips. These suggestions will make each bite delightful. They work whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a gathering.
Even Cooking: Pound chicken to ~½″ for faster, uniform bake
Pounding the chicken to half an inch thick cooks it faster. It also makes sure the meat bakes evenly. This prevents dry spots and results in tender, juicy chicken that everyone will enjoy.
Extra Flavor: Brown chicken before baking—as seen in Dinner du Jour’s version
Browning the chicken in a pan before baking adds a rich flavor. The caramelization during this step makes the chicken taste even better. It makes your Catalina Chicken irresistible.
Caramelization Bonus: Broil 1–2 min at the end like Valerie’s Kitchen recommends
A quick broil at the end adds a lovely caramelized finish. This step not only adds color but also enhances the flavor. It makes every bite extra satisfying.
Customize the Heat: Add chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick
Adjust the heat to your liking. Adding chili flakes or cayenne can make this classic recipe your own. It makes your quick and tasty dinner more enjoyable for everyone.
What to Serve With It
Choosing the right sides can make your Catalina Chicken meal even better. Pairing it with other dishes adds variety and makes the meal more enjoyable. You can pick from simple carbs to seasonal sides for a delightful experience.
Simple Carbs: Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttery noodles
Simple carbs are great with Catalina Chicken. Here are some popular choices:
- Steamed rice goes well with the savory sauce.
- Mashed potatoes add a creamy texture that balances the flavors.
- Buttery noodles offer a tasty twist and soak up the sauce.
Seasonal Sides: Garlic-roasted veggies, sautéed green beans, or crisp salad
Fresh, seasonal veggies add nutrition and flavor. Try these options:
- Garlic-roasted veggies like carrots and bell peppers add a savory flavor.
- Sautéed green beans add a crisp, fresh crunch.
- A crisp salad with mixed greens offers a refreshing contrast.
These pairings make your meal complete and versatile. You can adjust based on what you have. Enjoy a memorable dinner with Catalina Chicken as the main attraction.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Making Catalina Chicken ahead of time saves time and makes mealtime better. It stays fresh longer, making it easy to serve a quick dinner.
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight container
Keep your Catalina Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This lets the flavors mix well. Just reheat it when you’re ready for a hassle-free meal.
Freezer: Sauce and chicken freeze well up to 2 months; thaw overnight
Freezing the sauce and chicken keeps your meal fresh for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best taste. This way, your dinner stays savory and delicious.
Meal Prep: Slice and serve over grains; easy to reheat
Meal prepping with Catalina Chicken is simple. Slice the chicken and serve it with rice or quinoa. This makes for easy, reheatable meals all week, perfect for busy families.
| Storage Method | Time Frame | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight in the fridge; reheat in the oven or microwave |
| Meal Prep | Best enjoyed within 5 days | Heat portions as needed for quick meals |
Final Thoughts
The Catalina Chicken Recipe is a standout dish with bold flavors. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting guests or having a family dinner. Its mix of sweet and tangy notes pleases everyone, from kids to adults.
This recipe is known for its simplicity. It requires little prep and only one pan to clean. It’s ideal for busy nights or meal prep, making it a go-to choice.
Adding this recipe to your collection will make it a staple for family meals and quick dinners. Its tasty flavor and easy preparation make it a favorite. It shows that cooking healthy meals can be fun and effortless.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or prepping ahead for a busy week, Catalina Chicken delivers every time. If you enjoy bold sauces and easy chicken recipes, don’t miss our Chinese-style Mango Chicken Stir Fry for a tropical twist, or try this comforting Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Crust for a hearty weekend meal.
Catalina Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms quartered
- 2 large red bell peppers cut into 1/4-inch strips
- 1 large sweet onion diced
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Add butter to the skillet and then mushrooms. Cook for 2 minutes until golden. Transfer the mushrooms to the baking dish with the chicken and layer the bell peppers on top.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and cook the onions for about 5 minutes until tender.
- While the onions are cooking, in a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, ketchup, tomato paste, honey, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and chili powder. Set aside.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for another minute. Slowly stir in the chicken broth mixture and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Baste the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Remove the foil, baste the chicken with the sauce, and bake for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the bell peppers.
Notes
For added flavor, consider sprinkling some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
