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Easy Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken Thighs (Freezer-Friendly)

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These slow cooker balsamic chicken thighs are incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, resulting in a sticky, tangy glaze that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for busy weeknights and freezer-friendly for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8–10 thighs)
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1½ teaspoons jarred minced garlic)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the balsamic mixture evenly over the top.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  6. Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a small saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  7. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened sauce over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it thickens the sauce into a glossy glaze. For a freezer meal, combine chicken and all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch) in a freezer bag, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Low and slow is key for tender meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker balsamic chicken thighs, freezer-friendly chicken, easy chicken dinner, balsamic chicken, slow cooker chicken

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/easy-slow-cooker-balsamic-chicken-thighs-freezer-friendly/