Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Awesome Catalina Chicken, a simple yet spectacular dish that transforms bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into a savory sensation. This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of Catalina salad dressing, the fruity richness of apricot preserves, and the bold umami of onion soup mix to create a luscious glaze that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a one-skillet cooking method, this easy weeknight dinner delivers gourmet results with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked until juicy and tender, each bite of this chicken is bursting with flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete, restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for fans of sweet and savory combinations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Catalina salad dressing, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix until smooth.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind for flavor.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir gently, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some sauce over each piece.
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.
Serve the Catalina chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Enjoy!
Calories |
699 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.2 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 1005 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.5 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.7 g | ||
| Protein | 28.1 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 330 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.