Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken thighs in a rich balsamic glaze with honey and herbs

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce

04 - 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
05 - 2 tbsp honey
06 - 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 tsp dried basil
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/2 tsp black pepper

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Layer the sliced red onion and minced garlic evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
02 - Place the chicken thighs in a single layer on top of the onion and garlic, ensuring they fit without overlapping.
03 - Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully combined.
04 - Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is coated.
05 - Cover and cook on low setting for 6 hours or on high setting for 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
06 - For a thicker sauce, transfer the chicken to a plate. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes until reduced. Return the chicken to the sauce.
07 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The house smells incredible all day long, which is basically free aromatherapy
  • You can dump everything in the slow cooker and walk away until dinner time
  • The sauce gets this gorgeous sticky consistency that clings to every bite
02 -
  • The sauce will look thin right when you uncover the slow cooker, but it thickens beautifully as it rests for a few minutes
  • Substituting chicken breasts works, but check them after 3 hours on high so they do not dry out
  • The honey can burn slightly on the edges of the slow cooker, but that caramelized flavor is actually delicious
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before adding it to help the sauce adhere better
  • Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce redistributes

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