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Savory Slow-Cooked Crockpot Chicken Recipe


  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This savory slow-cooked crockpot chicken recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken breasts simmered with onions, garlic, and a deliciously rich sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for an effortless, hearty meal, this dish is enhanced by a smoky paprika and thyme seasoning, then thickened to perfection for serving.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Thickening Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse flavor into the meat.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, which will enhance the flavor without cooking them through.
  3. Prepare the Crockpot: Arrange the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
  4. Layer the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the onion and garlic layer in the crockpot, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
  6. Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  7. Remove and Keep Warm: Once cooked, carefully take the chicken out of the crockpot and cover it with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
  8. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the remaining liquid in the crockpot. Set the crockpot to high heat and cook the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes until it thickens to a rich consistency.
  9. Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the thickened sauce over them. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and zest.

Notes

  • For best flavor, sear the chicken before slow cooking to develop a caramelized crust.
  • Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey according to taste.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option and better sodium control.
  • Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier result.
  • The sauce can be thickened with alternative starches like arrowroot if preferred.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crockpot chicken, savory chicken breasts, slow-cooked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner