Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in perfect harmony. It’s a hands-off meal ideal for busy days, delivering tender chicken infused with garlic, balsamic, and thyme, topped with creamy goat cheese.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
• 1 cup fig jam
• 4 oz (113 g) goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides.
2. Step 2: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic over the chicken, then add the balsamic vinegar and fig jam. Sprinkle the thyme on top.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the chicken. Cover and let the cheese melt into the sauce.
6. Step 6: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Drizzle with the fig jam sauce from the pot, and serve warm. Garnish with additional thyme if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in the skillet before slow cooking to develop a golden crust.
• Substitute fig jam with apricot or raspberry preserves if preferred.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water if you like a thinner sauce consistency.
• Fresh thyme adds more vibrant flavor, but dried thyme works well and is convenient.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but cooking time may increase slightly. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop?

Absolutely. You can cook the chicken in a covered skillet or saucepan on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally. Keep the lid on to retain moisture, and add a little water or broth if needed.

Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 108 reviews

A flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich fig jam and balsamic vinegar sauce, enhanced with garlic and thyme, and finished with creamy goat cheese for a delightful and elegant meal.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
• 1 cup fig jam
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 4 oz (113 g) goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.
2. Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aroma into the oil.
3. Assemble in slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic evenly over the chicken, then add the balsamic vinegar and fig jam. Sprinkle the thyme on top to infuse herbal notes throughout the dish.
4. Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Add goat cheese: Approximately 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker again to allow the cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce.
6. Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and plate it. Drizzle with the fig jam sauce from the cooker and garnish with additional thyme if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to reduce it.
• Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor, just increase the quantity accordingly.
• This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
• Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, fig jam chicken, goat cheese chicken, balsamic chicken, easy slow cooker recipes