Craving a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are bathed in a rich, tangy balsamic glaze that practically makes itself. Just set it, forget it, and come home to a dinner that’s bursting with incredible flavor.
Ingredients
• 1 teaspoon / 3g garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon / 1g dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon / 3g salt
• 1/2 teaspoon / 1g black pepper
• 2 teaspoons / 4g dehydrated onion
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup / 120 ml balsamic vinegar, divided
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 2 lbs or 900g
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, dried basil, salt, pepper, and dehydrated onion. Generously rub this spice blend all over both sides of the chicken thighs.
2. Pour the olive oil into the bottom of your slow cooker and scatter the minced garlic over it. Add 1/4 cup / 60 ml of the balsamic vinegar. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on top.
3. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup / 60 ml of balsamic vinegar over the chicken. Secure the lid and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 thigh
• Calories: 285kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
Pro Tips
• For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker, turn to high, and stir until the sauce thickens.
• Sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This creates a beautiful crust and adds a deeper layer of flavor.
• Serve this chicken over creamy mashed potatoes, quinoa, or zucchini noodles to soak up all the delicious balsamic glaze.
• Feel free to add vegetables like baby carrots or quartered onions to the bottom of the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe
A: Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs are recommended as they remain more tender and juicy in the slow cooker. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on HIGH or 4-5 hours on LOW to prevent them from drying out.
Q: How do I make the balsamic glaze thicker
A: To create a thicker balsamic glaze, remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot. Make a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Pour the slurry into the juices in the slow cooker, turn the setting to HIGH, and stir continuously until the sauce has thickened.
Q: What should I serve with slow cooker balsamic chicken
A: This versatile slow cooker balsamic chicken is delicious served over creamy mashed potatoes, quinoa, or rice to soak up the flavorful glaze. For a low-carb option, it pairs perfectly with zucchini noodles or a simple green salad.
Q: Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking
A: Searing is an optional step but highly recommended for the best flavor. Browning the chicken thighs in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker creates a delicious crust and adds a deeper, richer taste to the finished dish.
