Indiana Hawaiian Chicken Ginger
A sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired chicken dish featuring apricot preserves, Catalina dressing, and flavorful vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and drain the chicken breasts.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in a crock-pot.
- Mix together the Catalina dressing, apricot preserves, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock-pot.
- Cook on low for approximately 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the Catalina dressing for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don't have apricot preserves, peach or mango preserves work well as substitutes. To thicken the sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. This dish is a great way to incorporate more fruits into your meals, similar to how you might in Baked Chicken Croquettes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mahatma Corn Casserole for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. For a refreshing side, consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indiana Hawaiian Chicken Ginger contains roughly 349 calories, with 14g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 498mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results. Cooking from frozen may require additional time in the crock-pot, so check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it's thoroughly cooked.
What can I substitute for Catalina dressing?
If you don't have Catalina dressing, you can use a mix of French dressing and a bit of vinegar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor. Alternatively, a homemade dressing with ketchup, vinegar, and a bit of sugar can work in a pinch.
Is it possible to cook this dish in the oven instead of a crock-pot?
Absolutely! To cook in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with the sauce mixture, and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).