Name: The Easiest Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken You’ll Ever Make
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485009H43M34S
Total time: PT-485009H43M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 small onion, chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Some nights, you just need a set-it-and-forget-it kind of dinner, and this Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is exactly that. Juicy, tender chicken simmers in a rich balsamic glaze with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness—making it the perfect balance of tangy and savory. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal effort, and pairs beautifully with just about anything. If you love easy slow cooker meals, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Dump-and-go meal – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Full of flavor – The balsamic glaze is rich, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Healthy and wholesome – Made with simple, clean ingredients.
Versatile – Serve it over rice, pasta, or even in sandwiches!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need. Find the full ingredient list below!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish.
Balsamic vinegar – Gives that deep, tangy flavor.
Garlic – Because everything’s better with garlic.
Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs.
Honey – A little sweetness to balance the acidity.
Diced tomatoes – Adds a little texture and freshness.
Onion – For extra depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Layer the Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and chopped onions over the top.

Pour in the Balsamic Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and diced tomatoes. Pour it over the chicken, making sure everything is coated.

Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Shred and Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up all that delicious balsamic goodness.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use chicken thighs – They’re even juicier and hold up well in the slow cooker.
Thicken the sauce – If you like a thicker glaze, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Add a kick – A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a little heat.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap honey for brown sugar – If you like a richer sweetness, brown sugar works great.
Use canned crushed tomatoes – If you prefer a smoother sauce, crushed tomatoes work instead of diced.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers – For extra veggies and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This balsamic chicken pairs well with so many things:

Over rice or pasta – The sauce soaks in beautifully.
With mashed potatoes – A comforting, hearty option.
On toasted bread – Makes an incredible shredded chicken sandwich.
Alongside roasted veggies – A healthy and flavorful side.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer – Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Just increase the cooking time by an hour.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.

Is balsamic vinegar too strong?

Not at all! The honey and tomatoes balance the acidity perfectly.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything in a bag and store it in the fridge overnight.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is the perfect blend of easy, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you serve it over rice, in a sandwich, or with roasted veggies, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Plus, with just a few minutes of prep, you get a delicious homemade dinner without the stress. Give it a try and let me know how you serve yours!

The Easiest Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken You’ll Ever Make

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This easy Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is a set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy nights. Juicy, tender chicken is slow-cooked in a rich balsamic glaze with garlic, herbs, and a hint of sweetness. It’s flavorful, healthy, and incredibly versatile—serve it over rice, pasta, or in sandwiches for a delicious and effortless dinner.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Layer the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, and pepper over the top.
Prepare the Balsamic Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and diced tomatoes. Pour it over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken and stir it back into the sauce. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or in sandwiches.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Thicken the sauce by removing the lid for the last 30 minutes or adding a cornstarch slurry.
Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Substitutions: Swap honey for brown sugar, use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce, or add mushrooms and bell peppers for extra veggies.