Catalina Cranberry Chicken is tender chicken thighs baked in a sweet and savory sauce with a touch of heat. This is a super simple recipe, so it's perfect for busy weeknights!
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe irresistible
- Ingredients you'll need
- Creative variations to try
- Step-by-step instructions
- Essential tools for this recipe
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
- Deb's tips for the perfect dish
- Storing leftover catalina cranberry chicken
- More easy chicken recipes
- Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- Catalina Cranberry Chicken
What makes this recipe irresistible
You only need simple ingredients, and most are pantry staples, so you don't have to worry about spending much money at the grocery store. Plus, the oven does most of the work, making it one of the easiest recipes you can ever make!
The cranberry glaze makes this chicken the perfect combination of sweet and savory, your whole family will love it.
Ingredients you'll need
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- Catalina salad dressing
- dry onion soup mix
- whole berry cranberry sauce
- salt
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
- boneless skinless chicken thighs
Creative variations to try
- Don't have chicken thighs on hand? You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead. Cooking time will be 40-50 minutes depending on the size of the breasts. Remember chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Make it in the crockpot! Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook for 4-5 hours and enjoy!
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 casserole dish with non stick cooking spray, set aside.
- Trim any excess far from chicken thighs or breasts.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. And, then place chicken breasts or thighs in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the salad dressing, cranberry sauce, red pepper flakes and onion soup mix. And, whisk together until combined.
- Pour sauce over chicken in the casserole dish, turning to coat.
- Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour. Chicken is done when it has an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Delicious over mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or rice. Serve and enjoy!
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Essential tools for this recipe
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- 9x13 baking dish - great set and terrific value!
- medium bowl
- Kraft Catalina dressing is my favorite bottled dressing to use for this Catalina chicken recipe.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
I have made this with bone-in chicken thighs and it was terrific. I did remove the skin. The baking time may be a bit longer - check the internal temperature with a thermometer.
Yes, this can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Follow the steps, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.
No, they are not. Russian dressing is a creamy condiment made of mayo, ketchup, and spices while Catalina dressing is usually a sweeter red salad dressing. French dressing would be your best substitution.
Absolutely! It would be perfect for a small holiday feast. Or, if you have leftover homemade cranberry sauce, this is an easy dinner recipe!
Deb's tips for the perfect dish
Make sure that you layer the thighs in an even layer so that they cook at the same rate.
- Don't forget to spray your casserole dish well with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter. This sauce will get sticky, and the spray will make clean up a snap.
Storing leftover catalina cranberry chicken
Refrigerate - Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezer-This dish freezes well. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat - Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warm, or you can microwave individual portions on 50% power for 1-2 minutes.
More easy chicken recipes
Craving something easy and saucy for dinner? I've got three tried-and-true baked chicken recipes that bring big flavor with barely any fuss.
Whether you're feelin' sweet heat with Jezebel Chicken, or want that sticky-savory goodness of Baked BBQ Chicken, or you're in the mood for zesty, juicy Baked Italian Chicken Thighs, there's something here that'll hit the spot.
Click through to find your new favorite-your oven (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
If you're looking for a quick and easy side, the sauce is terrific over Stove Top stuffing. It's also great over white rice, or egg noodles.
- These Roasted Green Beans and Carrots are one of my go-to side dishes to serve with a simple make like this cranberry chicken recipe.
- However, if you are looking for a different healthy, and simple side dish, serve it with a green salad like this Outback Wedge Salad recipe.
- Indulging in a slice of this Chocolate Hershey Pie is the perfect way to end this great meal.
What do you think? Did you love this tender, juicy chicken? I hope so! Please leave a comment below, I'd appreciate hearing your feedback!
Catalina Cranberry Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounce bottle Catalina salad dressing
- 1.25 ounce 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 15 ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 casserole dish with non stick cooking spray, set aside.
- Trim any excess far from chicken thighs.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the salad dressing, cranberry sauce, red pepper flakes and onion soup mix. Whisk together until combined.
- Pour sauce over chicken in the casserole dish, turning to coat.
- Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour. Chicken is done when it has an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Delicious over mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or rice. Serve and enjoy!
terry says
Very tasty and easy. Only gave 4 stars as I would prefer not to be using 3 ingredients that are processed food, but they are what makes it easy !
Dena says
Can I use relied cranberry sauce in place of whole cranberry sauce?
Debra Clark says
Sure if that's what you prefer or have on hand, that would work great!
Susan lacasse says
Very good,I’m making it again tonight
Debra Clark says
Awesome, thanks for sharing Susan. I'm glad you enjoyed this easy chicken recipe. It's so flavorful!