Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a savory-sweet balsamic glaze with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for an effortless weeknight dinner.
# What you'll need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
→ Liquids & Sauces
05 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
06 - 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 2 tablespoons honey
08 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
→ Spices & Herbs
09 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
13 - Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
# Directions:
01 - Arrange the sliced onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on top of the vegetable mixture.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, honey, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
04 - Pour the balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated.
05 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - Transfer the chicken to serving plates and spoon the balsamic sauce and vegetables from the slow cooker over each portion. Finish with a scattering of fresh chopped basil.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sauce practically makes itself while you go about your day, and it tastes like you stood over a stove for hours.
- Everything goes into one pot, which means cleanup is almost embarrassingly easy for something this flavorful.
02 -
- Opening the slow cooker lid repeatedly lets steam escape and extends the cooking time, so trust the process and leave it alone.
- If your sauce ends up too thin, pull the chicken out and let the liquid simmer with the lid off on high for ten to fifteen minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
03 -
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before adding them to the slow cooker so the thinner ends do not turn to shreds while the thick centers finish cooking.
- A splash of balsamic glaze drizzled over the finished plate right before serving adds a concentrated tang that makes people ask what your secret is.