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Balsamic Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
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Balsamic Crock Pot Chicken Recipe - Gourmet And Food

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. 
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Balsamic Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 350kcal

Ingredients

  • - 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 cans of crushed tomatoes 14.5 ounce
  • - 1 tablespoon honey optional, for sweetness
  • - 1 bell pepper, diced adds a nice crunch and flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

  • 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.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

  • 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!

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Fragrance

  • 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.

Step 4: Drizzle the Good Stuff

  • 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.

Step 5: Pour in the Tomatoes

  • 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.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

  • 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.

Notes

- 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.