Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich fig and balsamic sauce make for an easy yet elegant meal perfect for any day of the week.
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
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic over the chicken, followed by the balsamic vinegar and fig jam. Sprinkle the thyme evenly on top.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the chicken and cover to allow it to melt.
- Step 6: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and drizzle with the fig jam sauce. Serve warm, garnished with additional thyme if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper flavor, sear the chicken breasts in the skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Replace fig jam with apricot jam for a lighter sweetness.
- Add sliced shallots or caramelized onions to the slow cooker for extra richness.
- Serve with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the goat cheese from separating. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about 1 hour to ensure they cook through.
What can I substitute if I don’t have goat cheese?
You can substitute goat cheese with feta cheese for a similar tangy flavor, or use cream cheese for a milder, creamier finish.
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe
A flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe for tender chicken breasts cooked with sweet fig jam, tangy balsamic vinegar, and aromatic thyme, topped with creamy goat cheese for a delightful finish.
- 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
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Flavorings
- 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
Topping
- 4 oz (113 g) goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic along with the olive oil over the chicken. Add the balsamic vinegar and fig jam on top, then sprinkle the thyme evenly over everything.
- Slow Cook: 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: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the chicken. Cover the cooker again to let the cheese melt slightly.
- Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker, drizzle with some of the fig jam sauce remaining in the pot, and garnish with extra thyme if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and optimal juiciness.
- If fresh thyme is used, adjust quantity since it’s more potent than dried.
- Can be served alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and boil the liquids in the slow cooker with the lid off until reduced.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, fig jam chicken, goat cheese chicken, balsamic chicken, easy slow cooker recipe, chicken breasts slow cooker
