Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by the irresistible aroma of tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, sweet-and-savory maple sauce. This Slow Cooker Maple Chicken is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave delicious, restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe promises to become your new go-to dinner solution that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better sauce adherence.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the prepared maple sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6 hours, which will allow the chicken to become tender and absorb the maple sauce flavors.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
- Optional: For a thicker sauce, transfer the remaining liquid to a saucepan and simmer on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes until reduced and slightly thickened.
- Serve the chicken hot, drizzling the reduced maple sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to help the marinade adhere better and promote more even seasoning.
- Use pure maple syrup for the most authentic and rich flavor - avoid pancake syrups which are often too artificial.
- For extra flavor depth, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Ensure your chicken breasts are similar in size to guarantee uniform cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the optional stovetop reduction technique or mix a small cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its moisture.
- Pair this dish with simple sides like roasted vegetables or rice to soak up the delicious maple sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: mg
