Description
Braised Catalina Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish featuring chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and tangy Catalina dressing sauce with honey, soy sauce, and aromatic vegetables. This easy oven-braised recipe combines browning for depth of flavor with slow braising for juicy, succulent chicken perfect served over rice or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for braising the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté until softened, which will help build the flavor base.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the Catalina salad dressing, honey, and soy sauce. Stir well, combining all elements to create the braising sauce.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the sauce.
- Cover and Braise: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil, then transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Braise Chicken: Cook the chicken in the oven for 45-50 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to meld deeply.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Braised Catalina Chicken hot, ideally over cooked rice or alongside your preferred side dishes.
- Enjoy: Relish the flavorful, juicy chicken with its rich, tangy sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with bone-in chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Ensure the skillet used is oven-safe to avoid damage during braising.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing vegetables.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
