Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken is easy to prep with just a few ingredients for a simple weeknight dinner that has big flavor!
We are quickly moving to the end of preschool and kindergarten before the holidays and I'm trying to get all my loose ends tied up since those cute kiddos will be home with me while I'm still working.
Also, coming up is a super packed weekend and lots of family around, which is when I tend to fall back on slow cooker recipes that will be ready and waiting for us at dinnertime.
Honestly, I’ve been putting my slow cooker to seriously good use for the last couple of months now.
Apart from my regular rotation of chick peas and slow cooker turkey breasts (that we use for sandwiches), I’ve been making lots and lots of dinners in our slow cooker.
I love being able to set it and forget it, while I’m working, running out to pick up kids, running errands and, this time of year, buying presents, going to parties and visiting with family.
Having the slow cooker going is just one less thing to think about at the end of the day when I’m exhausted and starving and ready to eat 5 minutes ago.
You can see all of my slow cooker recipes and check out my round-up of healthy slow cooker chicken recipes for more inspiration.
This slow cooker cream cheese chicken is a favorite. And slow cooker chicken cacciatore is super cozy!
I even have a slow cooker e-cookbook.
Today’s slow cooker balsamic chicken is one that’s really easy to prep and requires just a few basic ingredients.
All kinds of good things about that!
It’s a recipe I originally came up with at a family beach vacation, when we were staying in a condo and didn’t want to have to buy too much stuff for our dinners.
(We also needed meals to be gluten-free for a family member.)
This lemon pepper chicken recipe was another one that fit the bill.
Actually, I have a round-up of easy vacation meals that are perfect for beach trips, mountain getaways and more if you need more ideas.
And at home, this crock pot balsamic chicken is a great go-to recipe because it’s all on-hand ingredients that you can throw together in the crock pot in the morning and off you go.
Then you come home to this aromatic balsamic-laced chicken with onions and tomatoes and all kinds of delicious sauce. You know I love me a good sauce!
And the balsamic vinegar + tomato combo is just killer. A little tart, a little sweet, a little acidic and such a good melding.
OK, let's get cooking.
Now, I’ve got some notes and tips coming up below on how to make crock pot balsamic chicken. Just tryin’ to be helpful.
If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.
Recipe Notes:
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you could also substitute chicken thighs or use a mix of the two.
- Tomatoes: I use regular diced tomatoes, but petite diced tomatoes would be fine, too. You could also use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra kick.
- I serve the chicken breasts sliced and topped with lots of extra sauce. It’s all about the sauce. You could also shred the chicken if you prefer and stir it back into the sauce.
- Serving: I serve this with quinoa or steamed brown rice, but it would work with couscous or polenta too. Or just add some crusty bread to scoop and eat with. The delicious juices are just dying for something else to soak into!
- Yield: The recipe serves 6-8, but if you’ve got a smaller group for dinner, you can save the leftovers for lunch or freeze them for another time. Make sure to include plenty of sauce so your leftovers don’t dry out when you reheat them. (More storage tips below.)
The flavors in this dish are so versatile, too, that it pairs well with all kinds of vegetables.
Keep it easy and steam some broccoli or asparagus or cook up some green beans. Or make a side salad.
OK, lastly, let's talk about what to do with any leftovers.
Storage Tips:
- The leftovers, once cooled, can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Reheat over medium low heat in a skillet or in single servings in the microwave. (Bonus: The sauce helps keep the chicken from drying out.)
- You can also freeze the leftovers. Once cooled, place in a freezer-safe ziptop bag or container, label and ate it, and freeze for up to 5 months.
- Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave or in a skillet.
Here’s to simple weeknight meals with big flavor!
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
For serving:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle over chicken breasts. Place chicken breasts in the insert of the slow cooker.
- Top chicken with onion slices and diced tomatoes. Pour balsamic vinegar and chicken broth over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2 ½-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley.
Paula
Hey girl! Two questions can I use sundried tomatoes instead of canned? And what do you think about adding spinach?
Kathryn
Sun-dried tomatoes have a different flavor and consistency than canned tomatoes so I don't think that would be a good substitution in this recipe. But yes to adding some spinach - great idea! I'd make the recipe as instructed, remove the chicken once it's cooked and then add a few handfuls of spinach into the slow cooker with the sauce. You can stir in for a couple of minutes to get it to wilt down. I hope that helps!
Ashley
Hi! Can I use a raw tomato instead?
Kathryn
Unfortunately, I don't think that would work as a substitution. A fresh tomato has a different taste and texture than canned.
Jessica
I forgot to drain the tomatoes, it’s that okay?
Kathryn
Hi Jessica, that'll just add some extra liquid to the slow cooker. You can drain some off as you serve it (or use a slotted spoon) if it seems too soupy. Should still taste great - would love to hear what you think!
Vanessa
Hi. I recently made your recipe, but the sauce is too dark. I wonder what type of balsamic vinager do you use? May you tell me? Thanks.
Kathryn
Hi Vanessa! I actually use and like the balsamic vinegar from Costco - it's affordable and tasty. But also, I take my photos in specific lighting and edit them to make sure the pictures look pretty, so the colors are different than what the sauce looks like just in the slow cooker in my kitchen. Hope that helps!
Kay
Hello,
Can you add veggies to this from the get go? Like brocolli or carrots?
Kathryn
Hi! I usually make a steamed veggie on the side to go with this. You could try adding a hearty veggie - like carrots - but I think something like broccoli might get mushy in the slow cooker for that long. Generally, more tender veggies should be added towards the end of the cooking time. I hope that helps!
Helene
Love all the flavors in your chicken. Such a beautiful dish for the whole family!
Toni
This would be a sure hit for dinner!
Kathryn
It sure is in our house! 🙂
Lindsay Cotter
Love a quick and easy dinner like this! Needs to happen soon for dinner!
Devyni
Could you make and freeze this ahead of time and then when ready to make thaw overnight and then place in slow cooker? We love this meal but prepping for baby and looking to make meals ahead of time 🙂
Kathryn
Hi there, yes! You can certainly prep this ahead of time, freeze it, then let it thaw overnight in the fridge and just dump it in the slow cooker! I also love making batches of chili then freezing it (already cooked) so you just have to thaw and reheat it. It's a great one to eat one-handed too when you're holding a baby! (Here's some of my chili recipes: https://www.familyfoodonthetable.com/?s=chili) Good luck! ❤️
Valerie
Good morning,
I was wondering if cut up grape tomatoes could be substituted for a can of diced tomatoes. Thank you.
Kathryn
Hi! I haven't tried it that way, but since the tomatoes would cook, that could work. It might be a little less rich, since canned tomatoes have more depth of flavor, but you could certainly give it a go!
Kate
Made this tonight. It was good and so easy. Perfect for a mid-week dinner— even the 4 year old liked it.
Kathryn
Yay, I'm so happy to hear that Kate! Thanks so much for sharing! 😊
Lindsay Cotter
Love having more crock pot chicken dinner options!! This looks delicious! Such a time-saver dinner for busy weeknight!
Kathryn
It really is! I love using my slow cooker so I can set it and forget it - and then have dinner waiting on ME! 😊
Casey
I did this in the Instant Pot! I halved a lot of grape tomatoes (I didn’t have canned) and added a can of artichokes (drained). I also did not add chicken broth and shredded my chicken when finished. Served over brown rice. Very good!
Kathryn Doherty
Oh that's so good to know it worked in the Instant Pot! And love the subs/additions you made - yum! Thanks so much for sharing Casey! 😊
Marcy
Yummy and so easy!! Thank you.
Kathryn Doherty
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Marcy! 😊
Elizabeth
This sounds delicious! I was just curious, do you think this would work as an instant pot recipe or not? If so, what time modifications would you suggest? Can’t wait to make this either way! Thanks!!
Kathryn Doherty
Hi Elizabeth! I think this would definitely work in the Instant Pot. I haven't made this particular recipe that way, but I think if you cooked it on high pressure for 10 minutes, it'd be done (that's the standard time for fresh chicken breasts; it's 12-15 if they are frozen). Would love to hear if you try it!
Tracey G.
How would you change it if you wanted to use boneless chicken thighs instead? Could I mix thighs and breasts or would the cooking time be too different? And, last question, if I am cooking for a críen and want to double it, would that be too much in a 7 qt slow cooker? Thanks.
Kathryn Doherty
Hi Tracey! Yes, you can substitute thighs or use a mix of breasts and thighs; the cooking time will be the same. And you should be just fine to double the recipe in that size slow cooker. I think you'll also still be fine on time with the doubled recipe if you use the upper range time (ie, 3 1/2 to 4 hours on high or 7 hours on low). Hope that helps and hope you enjoy it!
Tracey G
Thank you for prompt reply! One more question - Do you think the high temp cooking vs is any different if one has the time for either?
Kathryn Doherty
It was good timing- you caught me in my comment check-in time of day! Good question on the temp - it does make a difference in some recipes, not so much for this one. Still, I tend to prefer cooking on low in the slow cooker when possible, so I'd recommend that if you have the time.
thomas
excellent recipe and I can't cook good! I loved it!!! Nice and easy!
Kathryn Doherty
Yay, I'm so happy to hear you loved this Thomas! Thanks so much for sharing!
cole
Can you use canned stewed tomatoes or just a canned tomato sauce or paste instead of diced tomatoes or no?
Kathryn Doherty
Hi there! I haven't tested it with any of those substitutions, and I think they would alter the flavor as well as the texture of the recipe a bit, so I'm not sure. Let me know if you try it!
Karen
Not something I would try again. Flavors were just not there.
Kim
My husband is not a fan of tomatos but will eat tomato sauce. Can this be used instead of the canned tomatos or would a mixture of tomato paste/sauce be better
Kathryn Doherty
Hi Kim, I haven't tried that substitution and I imagine it would impact both the flavor and texture of the dish, so I'm not sure how well it would work. Would love to hear if you experiment though!
Ginger Hughes
Hi! Would a white Balsamic Vinegar be ok to use?