Description
Savory slow cooker balsamic chicken promises a flavor-packed dinner that brings Italian-inspired comfort to your table. With minimal prep and maximum taste, home cooks can easily enjoy this mouthwatering dish that turns ordinary ingredients into a memorable meal you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Liquids and Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
Herbs, Spices, and Aromatics:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Arrange chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, halving larger pieces to promote uniform heat distribution and consistent cooking.
- Create a vibrant balsamic glaze by whisking together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and selected herbs in a mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Generously drizzle the prepared balsamic mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely and evenly coated with the glossy marinade.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chicken to simmer on low temperature for 4-6 hours, or alternatively, use high heat for a condensed 2-3 hour cooking duration. The chicken is ready when it becomes exceptionally tender and can be effortlessly pulled apart.
- Once fully cooked, transform the chicken into succulent shreds using two forks, allowing the meat to absorb the rich, tangy sauce. Alternatively, maintain whole breast presentation if preferred.
- Transfer the balsamic-infused chicken to serving plates, accompanying it with complementary side dishes like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp garden salad. Enhance the flavor profile by drizzling additional sauce over the plated chicken.
Notes
- Trim chicken fat before cooking to reduce greasiness and create leaner protein.
- Use low-sodium balsamic vinegar for better control of salt content in the dish.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for vegan or alternative sweetener options.
- Freeze leftover shredded chicken in portioned containers for quick future meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 606 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg