Looking for an easy and delicious dinner that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe is your answer! Tender, juicy chicken simmered in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even a casual weekend gathering, this recipe delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality chicken without the fuss!
What Is Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken?
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken:
- 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or Thighs): Use fresh or thawed chicken. Pat dry with paper towels before adding to the slow cooker.
- 1 cup Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the show! Choose a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth: Low-sodium is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish.
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor. Low-sodium is also recommended here.
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar: Helps to balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar and adds sweetness.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken (optional but recommended for browning).
- 1 teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs: Adds a touch of herbaceous flavor. You can also use a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional): For thickening the glaze at the end of cooking.
- 2 tablespoons Cold Water (optional): To make a slurry with the cornstarch.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh and vibrant finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken:
This Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. The slightly tangy and sweet balsamic glaze coats the tender chicken beautifully.
You can choose breasts or thighs depending on your preference. Searing the chicken beforehand (optional) adds an extra layer of flavor. In about 4-6 hours on low, you’ll have a delicious, family-friendly meal ready to go.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes, until lightly browned which will add flavor but is not necessary.
- Prepare the Glaze: In the slow cooker, whisk together balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and dried Italian herbs.
- Add the Chicken: Place the seared (or unseared) chicken into the slow cooker, making sure it is submerged in the glaze as much as possible.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Chicken breast cooks faster, so keep an eye to not dry out and chicken thigh works well for longer time.
- Shred the Chicken (Optional): Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to soak up the sauce.
- Thicken the Glaze (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened to your desired consistency. Note, it could also work on Low temp too with longer cook time.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice, pasta, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or with your favorite sides.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken:
Three reasons why this chicken recipe will become a staple in your household! The highlight is the incredible flavor combination of tangy balsamic with savory garlic and herbs, creating a truly satisfying taste sensation. Making this at home is also a huge money-saver compared to takeout or restaurant meals, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-level dish on a budget.
Finally, the fresh parsley garnish adds a vibrant touch and elevates the dish, while the sweet and savory. Want to explore another exciting chicken recipe to broaden your culinary horizons? Why not try our Honey Garlic Chicken stir-fry? It’s another crowd-pleaser with a similar sweet and savory profile. Grab your slow cooker and give this Balsamic Glazed Chicken a try tonight!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken With:
- Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even coconut rice pairs perfectly with the glaze.
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine.
- Quinoa: A healthy and protein-rich option.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a nutritious and flavorful element.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad, such as a mixed green salad with vinaigrette.
- Crusty Bread: For soaking up the delicious glaze.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken:
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Don’t skip searing the chicken! It adds a beautiful color and deeper flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup.
- Use High-Quality Balsamic: The quality of your balsamic vinegar will greatly impact the final flavor. Invest in a decent bottle.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken Glaze to Taste: If you prefer a thicker glaze, adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry. You can also simmer the sauce on the stovetop after cooking in the slow cooker to reduce it.
- Add vegetables: Add chunky carrot or potatoe to the slow cooker . The vegetables add more texture and flavor to the dish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It adds a hint of spice to this recipe!
5 Facts About Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken:
- It’s a budget-friendly meal: Chicken and balsamic vinegar are typically inexpensive ingredients, making this a cost-effective dinner option.
- It’s a great meal prep option: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
- It can be made ahead: Because it’s slow cooked, the chicken tastes even better after it sits for a day or two.
- It’s easily customizable: Use different herbs and spices to change the flavor profile.
- Origin: Balsamic vinegar is from Italy, the use of basalmic vinegar is more on italian flavor profiles.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place the chicken and glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Place the cooled chicken and glaze in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken and glaze in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave: Place the chicken and glaze in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Slow Cooker: You can also reheat the chicken in the slow cooker on low for a couple of hours, until heated through.
Final Thoughts:
This Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken recipe is a winning combination of convenience and deliciousness. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Its versatility, delicious flavor profile, and ease of preparation make it the perfect candidate recipe!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Chicken FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for optimal flavor and texture, you can cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker. However, it will take longer to cook. Add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Q: Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Use the saute function to sear the chicken. Then, add the glaze ingredients and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
Q: Can I use other sweeteners besides brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can substitute honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amount to taste.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or sliced onions, to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Add heartier vegetables closer to the beginning of the cooking process and more delicate vegetables towards the end.
Q: What if I don’t have Italian herbs?
A: You can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme as a substitute.
Q: The glaze is too thick/thin. What do I do?
A: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry and add it to the slow cooker during the last 20 minutes of cooking.