Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken (Print Version)
Tender chicken in a rich balsamic glaze, cooked slowly for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
04 - 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
05 - 2 tbsp honey
06 - 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 tsp dried basil
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# How-To:
01 - Layer the sliced red onion and minced garlic evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Place the chicken thighs in a single layer on top of the onion and garlic bed, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
04 - Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the balsamic mixture.
05 - Cover and cook on low setting for 6 hours or on high setting for 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fork-tender.
06 - For a thicker sauce, transfer the chicken to a plate. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes until reduced. Return the chicken to the sauce.
07 - Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. Plate the chicken with sauce and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce develops this incredible depth while you go about your day
- Leftovers somehow taste even better the next time around
02 -
- The sauce will look thin at first but thickens beautifully as it reduces in the slow cooker
- Patting the chicken dry before adding it helps the sauce adhere better
03 -
- Low and slow is definitely the way to go for the most tender results
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving helps it retain all those juices