balsamic chicken crock pot recipe

The Best balsamic chicken crock pot recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite balsamic chicken crock pot recipe. This dish has become a staple in our household, and I just can’t get enough of it. The combination of the rich balsamic glaze and the tender chicken is absolute perfection.

My family loves it when I serve this recipe for dinner, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply place the ingredients in the crock pot, set it, and forget it – dinner is ready when you are.

This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. It’s also a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables, as they’ll be hidden in the sauce. Plus, the balsamic glaze has amazing health benefits, reducing inflammation and improving heart health.

My husband loves that this recipe is so versatile – we’ve served it with pasta, rice, or even on its own with some crusty bread. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for leftovers too – simply reheat and serve over some roasted vegetables or quinoa for a delicious meal the next day. I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and I’m still obsessed with how delicious it is.

My kids ask for it all the time, and I love that they’re developing healthy eating habits by enjoying this tasty dish.

Balsamic Chicken Crock Pot

4.9 from 1220 votes

This balsamic chicken crock pot recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a sweet and tangy glaze. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 10 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 330 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Thickening (Optional)

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3Sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to the slow cooker.
4In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
5Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is coated.
6Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7The chicken should shred easily with a fork when done.
8If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the chicken to a plate and whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl.
9Stir the slurry into the slow cooker juices, then cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
10Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the thickened sauce.
11Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread, spooning extra sauce on top.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
Large skillet
Small bowl
Whisk
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 330 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use high-quality balsamic vinegar. You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, but adjust cooking time to 5 hours on low. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Balsamic Chicken Crock Pot Works

This balsamic chicken crock pot recipe is truly a winner in our household.

Not only is it deliciously flavorful but also super easy to make and packed with nutritious goodness from the veggies hidden in the sauce.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – we love serving it with pasta or rice but also as leftovers reheated over some roasted vegetables or quinoa for a quick meal another day.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Balsamic Chicken Crock Pot

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – either one works perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the crock pot.

Q: Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making my own?

A: While store-bought balsamic glaze can be convenient, I highly recommend making your own from scratch using red wine vinegar and sugar. The flavor will be so much better, trust me! If you’re short on time, you can also use a high-quality store-bought glaze.

Q: How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?

A: Place the chicken and sauce in the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours – your choice!

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes! Simply place all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes followed by 5 minutes of natural pressure release.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Unfortunately not – this recipe features chicken as its main ingredient.

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