Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
