Slow 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
Scale
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
