Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker chicken with fig jam and goat cheese is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts slowly cook in a rich sauce of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fig jam, then topped with creamy goat cheese for a perfect finish. It’s an effortless meal that tastes elegant and comforting.

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. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
3. 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.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the chicken, cover, and allow it to melt into the sauce.
6. Step 6: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Drizzle with the fig jam sauce and serve warm. Garnish with extra thyme if desired.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a tangier dish, add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce before cooking.
• Try using fresh thyme for a brighter herbal flavor.
• For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result, adjusting cooking time as needed.

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 to avoid drying out the chicken. Goat cheese may firm up when chilled; you can crumble fresh goat cheese on top when reheating if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper food safety. Cooking from frozen may extend the cooking time and affect texture.

What can I serve with this slow cooker chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors.

Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

This Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with the sweetness of fig jam, the tang of balsamic vinegar, and the creamy texture of melted goat cheese. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with rich flavors, making it perfect for an easy yet elegant meal.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 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

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Seasoning

• 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

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to bring out its aromatic qualities.
3. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic and olive oil over the chicken, then add the balsamic vinegar and fig jam. Sprinkle the thyme evenly on top for added herbal notes.
4. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Add Goat Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the chicken. Re-cover the slow cooker to allow the cheese to melt and infuse the dish with creaminess.
6. Serve: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place on serving plates. Drizzle the fig jam sauce from the cooker over the chicken and garnish with additional thyme if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

• You can substitute fig jam with other fruit preserves such as apricot or raspberry for a different flavor profile.
• Use fresh thyme if available for a brighter herbal aroma, but dried thyme works well too.
• Check the chicken early to avoid overcooking, as slow cooker temperatures can vary.
• If preferred, add vegetables such as sliced onions or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger servings but may require longer cooking time.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, fig jam chicken, goat cheese chicken, balsamic vinegar chicken, easy slow cooker recipe, tender chicken breasts