Are you craving a mouth-watering, hassle-free dinner that combines sweet and tangy flavors with tender, juicy chicken? Look no further than this incredible Slow Cooker Maple Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables recipe! Imagine walking into your home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of perfectly seasoned chicken and caramelized vegetables, all prepared with minimal effort. This one-pot wonder is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal that will impress your family and make meal prep a breeze.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, etc.)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and minced garlic to create a marinade sauce.
- Chop mixed vegetables into roughly 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Recommended vegetables include carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and parsnips.
- Place chopped vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
- Arrange seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the maple balsamic marinade evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting. Cook for 5-6 hours, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove chicken and vegetables and transfer to a serving platter.
- Optional: If desired, reduce remaining sauce in a saucepan over medium heat for a thicker glaze to drizzle over the dish.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and flavor absorption.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cut vegetables into uniform 1-inch chunks to guarantee even cooking throughout.
- For a richer sauce, consider reducing the marinade in a saucepan after cooking to create a more concentrated glaze.
- Don't rush the cooking process - slow cooking allows flavors to develop and meats to become incredibly tender.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the liquid before reducing.
- Experiment with different vegetable combinations to keep the recipe exciting and seasonal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
