Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
228 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
Description
The recipe begins by seasoning chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before searing them in olive oil to develop a golden crust. The chicken is then placed in the slow cooker. A sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic is poured over the chicken. Slow cooking on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours slowly cooks the chicken through while infusing it with sauce flavors.
After slow cooking, the chicken is removed and kept warm. The liquid from the slow cooker is heated on the stovetop and thickened with a cornstarch slurry, then finished with butter and chopped parsley for richness and color. The thickened sauce is poured over the chicken before serving. This method yields tender, flavorful chicken breasts with a glossy, balanced glaze that complements the mild poultry.
While searing adds flavor and color, it can be skipped to save time by placing seasoned chicken directly in the slow cooker. The dish can be sliced or shredded for serving, depending on preference.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided use
- 6 chicken breast boneless skinless
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts on all sides with the salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Place the chicken in a slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, chicken broth, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and garlic.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
- Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a pot. Heat the pot over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Add the cornstarch to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 1 minute, or until sauce has just thickened.
- Add the butter to the pot and stir until melted. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Slice or shred your chicken and pour the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Searing the chicken adds flavor and color but can be skipped if pressed for time; simply season and add directly to the slow cooker.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 228 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 228kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 77mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 834mg | 35% |
| Potassium | 484mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 105IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 4.4mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 26mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.