When friends gather for a casual dinner, I always like to serve something that pairs well with a light salad or some roasted veggies. This Balsamic Crock Pot Chicken fits the bill perfectly; it’s simple yet bursting with flavor that makes each bite satisfying.
There’s something soul-soothing about coming home to the mouth-watering scent of a hearty meal cooking away in the slow cooker. After a long day, what could be better?
Balsamic Crock Pot Chicken is your ticket to a delicious, no-fuss dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of prep, you can create a comforting dish that sings with Italian flair. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, soaking up the tangy balsamic vinegar and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Plus, it’s so easy to make that I can multitask while it cooks!
This dish features chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich balsamic vinegar sauce, combined with crushed tomatoes and an array of herbs that brighten up the flavors. Using a slow cooker allows for hands-off cooking that locks in juices, making the chicken incredibly tender. It's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for a busy week ahead.
This recipe stands out because it infuses flavor through a homey combination of spices and herbs rather than relying heavily on pre-packaged sauces. It also incorporates fresh garlic and onions for an extra depth that elevates the dish. Let’s not forget that it’s adaptable! Whether you're trying to minimize processed ingredients or just want to throw in some extra veggies, this recipe is flexible.
The taste of this Balsamic Crock Pot Chicken is a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes. The balsamic vinegar adds a lovely zing, which is beautifully complemented by the freshness of herbs and the richness of the tomatoes. As it cooks, the chicken absorbs all these flavors, creating a dish that is savory and utterly satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (feel free to add more if needed)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (adds a nice crunch and flavor)
Ingredients From : allrecipes.com
Making this delicious dish is straightforward and relaxing. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have an incredible meal that practically cooks itself. It's all about layering flavors and letting the slow cooker do its magic!
Start off by drizzling the extra-virgin olive oil directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and give it a lovely, flavorful base.
Place your chicken breast halves in the slow cooker on top of the olive oil. Season each piece generously with salt and black pepper. It’s amazing how such simple seasonings can enhance the dish!
Next, layer thinly sliced onions over the chicken. Then, scatter the minced garlic on top. The garlic's bold flavor will meld into the chicken beautifully as it cooks. After that, sprinkle the dried oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme over everything.
Now for the star of the show! Pour the balsamic vinegar over the chicken and herbs, letting it slide evenly across everything. This tangy goodness will flavor the chicken while adding a delightful acidity that cuts through the richness.
Finally, open the cans of crushed tomatoes and pour them over the top of the chicken. These will break down during cooking and create a rich, saucy base. If you're feeling adventurous, add a tablespoon of honey at this stage for a touch of sweetness that nicely balances the tang of the balsamic.
Set your slow cooker to high and cover it. Let it do its work for about 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. For tender, juicy chicken, you’ll want it to reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate flavor even more. If you have them on hand, consider using fresh basil or rosemary instead of dried.
- Add Veggies for Nutrition: Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for added nutrition without compromising taste.
- Adjust Cook Time for Thicker Cuts: If you’re using thicker chicken breasts, increase the cook time to ensure they get tender.
- Serve with the Sauce: Don’t skip spooning that flavorful sauce over the chicken when serving; it really makes a difference!
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them with the sauce for the best flavor retention.
Balsamic Crock Pot Chicken stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Feel free to keep it for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just remember, if you’re planning on freezing it, store the chicken in portions with sauce to maintain moisture.
- On a Bed of Rice: Serve over steamed brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Whole Wheat Pasta: It also pairs beautifully with whole wheat pasta for an Italian-style meal.
- Next to Quinoa: For a protein-packed option, serve alongside quinoa.
- With a Side Salad: A refreshing side salad balances the rich flavors nicely.
- In a Wrap: Use leftovers in a wrap with fresh veggies for an easy lunch!
- Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: For a juicier option, chicken thighs work beautifully and add a richer flavor.
- Vegetable Broth for Balsamic: If you prefer a lighter flavor or need a balsamic-free version, vegetable broth can be a substitute.
- Red Wine Vinegar: For a different tang, red wine vinegar can bring a rich flavor profile without losing the essence of the dish.
- Zucchini for Bulk: Spiralized zucchini can be added to the slow cooker for additional veggies.
- Maple Syrup Instead of Honey: If you like a bit of sweetness and want a vegan option, maple syrup is excellent!
Trying out this Balsamic Crock Pot Chicken is a no-brainer for those who value flavor but have little time to spare. It’s such a delightful dish that requires minimal effort for maximum satisfaction.
With the right ingredients thoughtfully combined, you’ll have a dinner that impresses everyone at your table. So, dust off that slow cooker and give this recipe a go; I promise it won't disappoint!
Balsamic Crock Pot Chicken is your ticket to a delicious, no-fuss dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of prep, you can create a comforting dish that sings with Italian flair. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, soaking up the tangy balsamic vinegar and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate flavor even more. If you have them on hand, consider using fresh basil or rosemary instead of dried.
- Add Veggies for Nutrition: Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for added nutrition without compromising taste.
- Adjust Cook Time for Thicker Cuts: If you’re using thicker chicken breasts, increase the cook time to ensure they get tender.
- Serve with the Sauce: Don’t skip spooning that flavorful sauce over the chicken when serving; it really makes a difference!
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them with the sauce for the best flavor retention.
Maria George is a cookbook author and registered dietitian, passionate about merging gourmet cuisine with nutrition through her blog Gourmet And Food. Based in Illinois, she draws on her rich culinary background to create elegant, approachable recipes that celebrate quality ingredients and creativity in the kitchen. Maria’s goal is to inspire food lovers of all levels to explore gourmet cooking and enjoy the art of dining.