This Easy Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is a simple delight! Just toss chicken, balsamic vinegar, honey, and veggies into the slow cooker, and let it do the magic while you relax.
Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the chicken turns out super tender and juicy. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without all the fuss! 😄
I love serving this with rice to soak up the tasty sauce. It’s not just easy; it’s also great for leftovers—if there are any! Enjoy the yumminess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can also use thighs for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, try chickpeas or tofu, though cooking times may vary.
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the dish a lovely tang. If you don’t have it, try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar for sweetness. However, balsamic is best for that unique flavor.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and balances the vinegar’s acidity. You can replace it with maple syrup for a vegan option or agave nectar if you prefer. Just remember, if you skip the sweetness, the flavor will change.
Garlic: Fresh garlic maximizes flavor. If you can’t use fresh, garlic powder can work—just use 1/4 teaspoon for every clove. Personally, I can’t resist adding more garlic! It adds such depth.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Stays Tender?
The key to tender chicken lies in your cooking time. Make sure to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours without peeking too often. This keeps the heat consistent and allows the chicken to cook evenly. Here are a few tips:
- Layer veggies at the bottom. This keeps the chicken elevated, preventing it from sitting in too much liquid.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. If the breasts are too squished, they may cook unevenly.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps with juiciness.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy perfectly juicy, tender chicken every time!
Easy Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Balsamic Chicken requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then is cooked in the slow cooker for either 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Just set it and forget it, then enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen while you wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by placing the sliced onion and baby carrots at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a tasty bed for the chicken and allows the veggies to soak up all the delicious flavors!
2. Season the Chicken:
Next, take the chicken breasts and season them with a bit of salt, black pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Then, gently place them on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. You want those flavors to meld together!
3. Mix the Balsamic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and chicken broth. This mixture is the magic sauce that will make your chicken incredibly tasty. Pour this goodness evenly over the chicken and veggies in the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook It:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender your chicken will get—so take your pick!
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, once the chicken and veggies are done cooking, remove them from the slow cooker. Then, whisk together the cornstarch and water, and stir it into the remaining juice in the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Plate up the balsamic chicken and veggies, drizzling the sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or some nice crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy slow cooker balsamic chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to add an extra hour of cooking time if you’re cooking on high. For the best results, it’s recommended to thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before starting.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water for a similar sweetness, but this might slightly change the flavor of the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the veggies you choose, so check for tenderness as it cooks!
