Friend of Julie: Crock Pot Balsamic Chicken

Today was perfect for cooking in the crock pot while working on other things at home. Due to the heavy snowfall, I didn't have to go into the office, so I made this crock pot balsamic chicken recipe. I just ate it for lunch and the chicken was so tender and flavorful it is on my list of dishes to make again. As late in the day as it is, it was well worth the 4 hour wait!

Crock Pot Balsamic Chicken (dark items are basil)

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 3 garlic cloves minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/3 cup fresh chopped basil)
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion (or 1/3 cup fresh minced onion)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 24 ounces)
• sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley

Directions

1. Combine these spices in a small bowl:

• garlic
• basil
• salt
• black pepper
• onion

I used fresh garlic, onion, and basil.

2. Spread the above spices on both sides of the chicken and then set chicken aside. 

Spread spices on both sides of chicken.

3. Pour olive oil and fresh garlic on the bottom of the crock pot. 

Olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar with measuring spoons and knife.

4. Place chicken on top of olive oil and garlic. 

5. Pour balsamic vinegar over the chicken.  

Chicken coated with garlic and basil in crock pot, olive oil and garlic on bottom, and balsamic vinegar on top.

6. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.  

7. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top (optional). I didn't have parsley, so I added freeze-dried chives.

Photos by Theresa.