Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese

Craft a delicious and comforting dish with this Slow Cooker Chicken featuring savory fig jam and creamy goat cheese. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a delightful blend of flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

This dish stands out because of its unique flavor combination. Fig jam adds a hint of sweetness, while goat cheese provides a creamy, tangy contrast. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting by cooking the chicken to perfection, resulting in a juicy and tender meal. Plus, it offers a hands-off approach, freeing you up for other tasks. If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful meals, this is a recipe you won’t want to miss!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese

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

Step by Step:

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
In the slow cooker, place the seasoned chicken breasts. Pour the sautéed garlic over them, followed by the balsamic vinegar and fig jam. Sprinkle the thyme on top.
Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the chicken and cover to allow it to melt.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker, drizzle with fig jam sauce, and serve warm, garnished with additional thyme if desired.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese

Serve this dish warm, pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors. A bed of fluffy quinoa or rice can also help soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider offering some crusty bread on the side.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the chicken can last for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to ensure the chicken remains tender.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese

Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to personalize the dish.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
For a simpler cleanup, use a slow cooker liner.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as sliced onions or bell peppers in the slow cooker. They will absorb the flavors beautifully and add extra texture and nutrition to the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure they cook through completely.

2. What can I substitute for goat cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, feta or cream cheese can work as substitutes, each providing a unique flavor.

3. Can I use a different fruit jam?
Certainly! Apricot, blackberry, or even apple jam can be great alternatives if you want to try different flavor profiles.

Dive into the rich and savory taste of Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese, and enjoy the ease of a meal that practically cooks itself! For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this high-protein chicken salad.