balsamic chicken slow cooker recipe

balsamic chicken slow cooker recipe

The Best balsamic chicken slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share this balsamic chicken slow cooker recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family.

The combination of the rich balsamic glaze and the tender chicken is just perfect. I love that it’s so easy to make, just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it cook all day.

It’s a great recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions like holidays. My kids love it when I serve it with some crusty bread or over rice.

And the best part is that it’s actually pretty healthy, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family. Plus, it’s really versatile – you can serve it as is or add in some veggies for a hearty meal.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and everyone raves about it. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the balsamic vinegar.

Don’t skimp on the good stuff, trust me! It makes all the difference in the flavor.

Balsamic Chicken Slow Cooker

Balsamic Chicken Slow Cooker

4.5 from 856 votes

This balsamic chicken is cooked low and slow in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. The result is tender, juicy chicken that shreds easily and is perfect over rice or pasta.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 10 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Balsamic Sauce

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Thickening (Optional)

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
3Sear the chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
4In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
5Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are coated.
6Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
7The sauce will have darkened and reduced slightly.
8If a thicker sauce is desired, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
9Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, then cook uncovered on high for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
10Using tongs, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or transfer to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
11Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce and serve hot over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker (4 to 6 quart)
Small bowl
Whisk
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 150mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 17g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For a thicker sauce, always use the cornstarch slurry at the end. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat well. You can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to 2 to 3 hours on low to prevent dryness.

Watch Video Of How Balsamic Chicken Slow Cooker Works

This balsamic chicken slow cooker recipe is always a hit with my family, and I’m sure it will be with yours too! It’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve at holidays.

And don’t worry about leftovers – this recipe reheats beautifully and stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until hot through.

Serve over rice or with some crusty bread for an easy meal that’s sure to please!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Balsamic Chicken Slow Cooker

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

A: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. If you prefer a leaner dish, breasts are a good choice. If you like a bit more fat and flavor, thighs are the way to go.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a pressure cooker! Simply brown the chicken and cook the vegetables in the pressure cooker before adding in the balsamic glaze and cooking until thickened.

Q: What if I don’t have balsamic glaze? Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead?

A: While regular balsamic vinegar will still give you some flavor, using balsamic glaze will give you a deeper, richer taste. If you don’t have glaze, try reducing down some regular balsamic vinegar to create your own glaze.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible – try adding in some sliced onions or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

A: This recipe is ready in about 10 minutes – just brown the chicken and cook the vegetables before adding in the balsamic glaze and cooking until thickened.

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