Slow-Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Tender chicken slowly cooked in a sweet and tangy balsamic sauce with garlic and Italian herbs. This easy dump-and-go dinner is packed with flavor and requires minimal prep!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: 4–6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ÂĽ cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Make the Balsamic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW: 5–6 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Cook until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Add the Tomatoes
If using cherry tomatoes, add them during the final 30–45 minutes of cooking so they soften without completely breaking down.
5. Finish & Serve
Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon some of the flavorful balsamic sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.
For thicker sauce, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer for several minutes until slightly reduced.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve this balsamic chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables and a fresh green salad.
Tip: Chicken thighs stay especially juicy in the slow cooker, while chicken breasts give you a leaner option.