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Braised Catalina Chicken

Braised Catalina Chicken: A Cozy Family Favorite Recipe

Braised Catalina Chicken is a comforting dish with tender chicken thighs and a tangy, sweet homemade sauce, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Substitute with boneless thighs for quicker cooking.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Any cooking oil can be substituted if needed.
  • to taste Salt Adjust according to your taste preferences.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust according to your taste preferences.
For the Catalina Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Vinegar Apple cider or red wine vinegar can be used.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar or Honey Adjust for desired sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Highly recommended for presentation.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, and generously season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes before removing them from the pot.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sweeteners, and spices to create your homemade Catalina sauce.
  5. Pour half of the Catalina sauce into the Dutch oven. Nestle the seared chicken thighs skin-side up back into the pot, then drizzle the remaining sauce over the top.
  6. Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes.
  7. After 45 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes to caramelize and thicken the sauce.
  8. Once baked, carefully take the chicken out of the oven. Serve hot, spooning the sauce over each thigh and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking and adjust the sauce as needed for balance.

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