Description
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering a savory and tangy flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving a simple yet elegant dinner or looking for an easy meal to feed a crowd, this dish delivers. Packed with juicy chicken thighs, rich balsamic vinegar, and a blend of savory seasonings, this crockpot recipe is a go-to for those who love flavorful, hands-off meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices.
- Make the Balsamic Vinegar Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir until honey is dissolved.
- Cook the Chicken: Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve: Remove the chicken, spoon sauce over it, and garnish with fresh parsley and basil.
Notes
- Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs stay tender when slow-cooked, but breasts can also be used for a leaner option.
- Sweetener: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Experiment with additional spices like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with some leftover sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken, Crockpot Chicken, Balsamic Vinegar Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Family Chicken Dinner