Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance 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 but not browned to bring out its aromatic qualities.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
