Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken Recipe

This Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is a flavorful and effortless dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a tangy balsamic glaze and a hint of herbs. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of hands-on time and a handful of simple ingredients. Your slow cooker does the rest of the work, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work! Simply combine the ingredients and let them simmer to perfection while you go about your day.
• Flavorful and Versatile: The balsamic glaze adds a wonderful sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken, making it a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, saving you time and effort.
• Tender and Juicy: The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken stays incredibly tender and juicy.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean and healthy protein source.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor and creates a base for the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat (optional).
• Black pepper: Adds another layer of spice.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

In the bottom of your slow cooker, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined.

Step 2: Season and Add Chicken

Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts, if desired. Season the chicken generously with the dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker and stir to coat them evenly with the balsamic mixture.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and¹ reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Optional – Reduce Sauce

If desired, you can thicken the sauce by spooning some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. Simmer the liquid over medium heat to reduce and thicken it. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water and simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Balsamic Chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. You can also shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches, salads, or wraps.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use boneless, skinless thighs: For even more flavorful chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
• Adjust the sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking, depending on how sweet you want the sauce.
• Add vegetables: You can add vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms, to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a complete one-pot meal.
• Make ahead: You can season the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. When ready to cook, simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing for this dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken beautifully.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus, are a healthy and colorful addition to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can! However, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

2. Can I make this recipe without the brown sugar?

Yes, you can! The brown sugar adds sweetness to the sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer a more tart flavor.

3. Can I add other seasonings to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

4. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can! Simply sear the chicken breasts in a skillet, then transfer them to a baking dish with the sauce ingredients. Bake covered at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

This Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and convenient way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. With its easy preparation, versatile serving options, and tender, juicy chicken, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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