Description
Succulent balsamic chicken crock pot recipe offers a rich, tangy dinner solution for busy households. Home chefs can savor tender chicken infused with deep Mediterranean flavors, complemented by simple ingredients you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless, skinless
- ½ cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 14.5 oz (411 g) diced tomatoes, canned, drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsps water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position whole chicken breasts in the ceramic slow cooker, ensuring they lay flat without overlapping.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes into a vibrant, glossy mixture.
- Seasoning: Pour marinade over chicken, thoroughly coating each piece, then scatter sliced onions and drained diced tomatoes across the surface.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours (or high heat for 3-4 hours) until chicken becomes supremely tender and easily shreddable.
- Sauce Enhancement: For a richer consistency, blend cornstarch with water to create a quick slurry, incorporating it into the cooking liquid and heating for an additional 15 minutes until sauce thickens elegantly.
- Finishing Touches: Gently shred chicken using two forks, allowing it to absorb the remaining aromatic sauce, then garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serving: Plate alongside fluffy rice, perfectly cooked pasta, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete, mouthwatering culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Chicken Placement: Ensure chicken breasts are arranged in a single layer without overlapping to guarantee even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Marinade Mixing Technique: Whisk balsamic ingredients thoroughly to create a well-emulsified sauce that will evenly coat and penetrate the chicken, enhancing overall taste profile.
- Sauce Thickening Hack: Use cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent lumps, adding gradually to achieve the perfect sauce consistency without compromising the dish’s delicate texture.
- Diet-Friendly Adaptations: Easily modify recipe for low-carb diets by replacing honey with sugar-free alternative, or make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free cornstarch for thickening.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg