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Braised Catalina Chicken

Braised Catalina Chicken: Comfort Food with a Tangy Twist

Enjoy a nostalgic and flavorful Braised Catalina Chicken that is quick to prepare and perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 thighs Chicken Thighs Skin-on for extra moisture and flavor
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For searing
For the Catalina Sauce
  • 1 cup Ketchup Can substitute with homemade tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar Can replace with lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Substitute with honey or maple syrup if desired
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can substitute with finely chopped fresh onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust for spiciness preference

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear for another 2 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, whisking until smooth.
  5. Pour half of the Catalina sauce into the hot Dutch oven, add the seared chicken thighs skin-side up and pour the remaining sauce over the top. Cover with a lid or foil.
  6. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes.
  7. Let the Braised Catalina Chicken rest briefly, plate hot, and spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1thighCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Perfect cooking time reduces to 15-20 minutes when using boneless chicken. For a crispier skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

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