Name: Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup honey; ½ cup balsamic vinegar; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced

This Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Chicken features tender chicken in a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free meal, it’s an easy recipe that delivers rich, flavorful results with minimal prep and cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker honey balsamic chicken is a delicious, set-it-and-forget-it meal that infuses tender chicken with a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic sauce, making it perfect for busy schedules or family dinners. Versatile—pair with rice, veggies, or salads—it’s ideal for meal prep and offers a juicy, flavorful dish with minimal effort. The slow cooker’s simplicity creates a protein-packed meal with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Trim Chicken: Remove excess fat for even cooking and less greasiness.

Sear for Depth: Browning adds a rich, caramelized crust.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste and tweak honey to your liking.
Thicken the Sauce: Use a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.

Low Heat Only: Cook on low to keep chicken tender.
Rest Before Serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Use Fresh Garlic: Enhances the sauce’s aroma over powdered.

Stir Gently: Avoid breaking chicken pieces when mixing.
Check Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper based on taste.
Serve Hot: Maximizes the honey-balsamic contrast.

Yield: 8 servings

Slow Cooker Honey Balsamic Chicken

Tender honey balsamic chicken, easy and flavorful in slow cooker.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup honey
½ cup balsamic vinegar

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tbsp olive oil
2 green onions, chopped
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and season with black pepper.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth until smooth.
Pour Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring even coating.

Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until chicken is tender and juicy.
Prepare Cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry; set aside.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cover, and cook on high for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Check Seasoning: Taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Rest and Stir: Turn off the slow cooker and let the dish rest for 10 minutes, stirring gently to coat the chicken.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions, serve with your favorite sides, and savor this sweet-tangy delight!

Notes

Trim excess fat from chicken to avoid greasiness; sear in batches if needed.
Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor; adjust honey to your sweetness preference.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.

This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or low-carb diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 259Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 138mgSodium 338mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 0gSugar 11gProtein 28g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken Thighs (2 lbs): Boneless, skinless for tenderness; trim excess fat.
Balsamic Vinegar (½ cup): High-quality for rich flavor; reduce if too strong.
Honey (¼ cup): Pure honey for natural sweetness; adjust to taste.

Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Low-sodium adds umami; tamari for gluten-free.
Garlic (4 cloves): Minced for aromatic warmth.
Chicken Broth (½ cup): Low-sodium keeps flavors balanced.

Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce; dissolve in water before adding.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for searing, adding depth.
Black Pepper (½ tsp): Enhances flavors; adjust to taste.

Green Onions (2, chopped): For garnish, adds fresh flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken Swap: Use breasts or drumsticks; adjust cooking time.
Vinegar Alternatives: Use apple cider vinegar for a different tang.

Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or erythritol.
Soy Sauce Alternatives: Substitute with coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
Broth Swap: Use vegetable broth or water with extra seasoning.

Spice Twist: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for heat.
Oil Swap: Use avocado oil or skip for oil-free cooking.
Gluten-Free: Ensure soy sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with broth.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring to blend sauce.