Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken (Printable Version)
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a savory-sweet balsamic glaze with herbs and honey for an effortless weeknight meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Condiments
04 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
05 - 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
06 - 2 tablespoons honey
07 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
# How to Make:
01 - Scatter the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer on top of the onion and garlic bed.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fully emulsified.
04 - Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - Carefully transfer the chicken and onions from the slow cooker to a serving platter. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
06 - For a more concentrated glaze, pour the remaining cooking liquid into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and coats the back of a spoon.
07 - Spoon the onions and reduced sauce over the chicken breasts. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately alongside mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce practically makes itself while you are at work or watching a movie, and your kitchen will smell like you spent all day cooking.
- It uses pantry staples you probably already have, which means no emergency grocery store runs on a Tuesday evening.
02 -
- Opening the slow cooker lid repeatedly lets heat escape and adds cooking time, so resist the urge to peek for at least the first few hours.
- Thickening the sauce in a saucepan at the end transforms the dish from good to restaurant quality, and it only takes about five extra minutes.
03 -
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before adding them so the thinner ends do not dry out before the thick parts cook through.
- Let the finished dish rest for five minutes before serving so the sauce has time to settle back into the meat rather than pooling on the plate.