Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that melts in your mouth. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, the tender chicken soaks up a rich sauce accented by tangy goat cheese and aromatic herbs.

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 generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: 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.
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, or until the chicken is tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the chicken. Cover again to allow the cheese to soften and melt slightly.
6. Step 6: When done, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Drizzle with the fig jam sauce from the pot and serve warm, garnished with extra thyme if you like.

Tips & Variations

• For a fresh herb twist, try using rosemary instead of thyme.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes to reduce before serving.
• Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch when serving.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicy result.

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 stove over low heat to prevent drying out. Goat cheese may become firmer after refrigeration but will soften when reheated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh figs instead of fig jam?

Fresh figs can be used, but you’ll need to cook them down separately with some sugar to create a jam-like consistency for the sauce to coat the chicken properly.

What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

This Slow Cooker Chicken with Fig Jam and Goat Cheese is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts with the sweet richness of fig jam and tangy goat cheese. Enhanced by balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme, it’s perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• 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
• 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

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic evenly over the chicken, then add the balsamic vinegar and fig jam on top. Sprinkle the thyme evenly across the ingredients.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, with 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. Cover the slow cooker again to allow the cheese to melt gently into the sauce.
6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, plate it, and drizzle with the fig jam sauce. Garnish with additional thyme if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• Using fresh thyme instead of dried will provide a brighter, fresher flavor.
• Sautéing the garlic before adding it to the slow cooker helps release its flavors more fully.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before serving.
• Serve with crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, fig jam chicken, goat cheese chicken, slow cooked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner