Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken (Printable)
Tender thighs in tangy balsamic-honey sauce, ready when you are.
# What You'll 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
# Directions:
01 - Arrange sliced red onion and minced garlic evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Place chicken thighs in a single layer over the aromatic vegetable base, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking.
03 - Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully incorporated.
04 - Pour the prepared balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is coated.
05 - Cover and cook on low setting for 6 hours or high setting for 4 hours, until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
06 - For thicker consistency, transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Simmer remaining sauce in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-8 minutes until reduced, then return chicken to coat.
07 - Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce develops this incredible depth that tastes like you spent hours reducing it on the stove
- It is one of those meals that makes people think you are far more ambitious in the kitchen than you actually are
02 -
- The sauce will look thin when you first pour it but it thickens beautifully as it cooks down with the chicken juices
- Removing the chicken to reduce the sauce on the stove takes five minutes but transforms it into something restaurant quality
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the slow cooker this helps it brown slightly and develop better flavor
- Use a good quality balsamic vinegar since it is the main flavor profile of the entire dish