Go Back
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup fresh cranberries (you can use frozen if you prefer) - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) For the best results, use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Here are some standard conversions: - 1 cup = 240 ml - 1 tablespoon = 15 ml - 1 teaspoon = 5 ml Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Always check for quality when buying: - Chicken thighs: Look for a bright color and no off smell. - Cranberries: Choose firm berries with no blemishes. - Herbs: Fresh herbs add more flavor than dried ones. Use this guide to ensure your dish tastes great! Marinating the chicken Start by mixing the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 3 cloves minced garlic - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and black pepper to taste This mix creates a sweet and tangy flavor for your chicken. Searing the chicken thighs Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season 6 chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Place them in the hot skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This gives a nice golden-brown crust, adding flavor. Transferring ingredients to the slow cooker Once the chicken is browned, move it to the slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Add 1 cup of fresh cranberries on top. Make sure they are evenly spread out. Cooking times for low and high settings Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when done. Shredding or serving whole When the time is up, you can choose to shred the chicken. Use a fork to pull it apart in the sauce. Or, serve the thighs whole with the sauce drizzled over. Garnishing and presentation tips For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve the chicken on a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. Drizzle with the rich cranberry balsamic sauce. This adds color and makes it look delicious! When making Slow Cooker Cranberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs, you can switch some ingredients for a unique taste. For sweetness, you might use maple syrup instead of honey. It gives a nice flavor and works well with the tart cranberries. If you prefer a less sweet dish, try using agave nectar. You can also add spices for more depth. A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of smoked paprika can add warmth. Try a little cayenne pepper if you like some heat. These changes can make the dish feel fresh and exciting. Browning the chicken thighs is a small step that makes a big difference. When you sear them, you create a lovely crust. This crust adds flavor and helps lock in moisture. It’s worth the extra time. In the slow cooker, you can choose low or high settings. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours will make the chicken very tender. If you're short on time, the high setting works in 3-4 hours. Make sure to check the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F to be safe. Adjust your cooking time based on how thick the thighs are. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or turkey thighs. Both options work great and taste delicious. Chicken breasts cook faster, so check them after 4-5 hours on low. Turkey thighs have a richer flavor and stay juicy. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using chickpeas or lentils. They soak up the sauce well. You can also use cauliflower or mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based meal. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through. You can add fruits or spices to the sauce for extra flavor. Try adding diced apples, pears, or even apricots. These fruits will bring sweetness and a nice texture. For spices, consider a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. They add warmth and depth to the dish. Adjusting the sweetness and acidity levels can tailor the sauce to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For extra tang, increase the balsamic vinegar. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. After enjoying your Slow Cooker Cranberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs, you'll want to save any leftovers. - Refrigeration tips: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure to include some of the sauce to keep the chicken moist. - Freezing instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will last for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating your chicken properly helps keep the flavor and texture intact. - Best practices for reheating: The best way to reheat chicken is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish with a bit of sauce. Cover it with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes. This warms it through without drying it out. - Suggested serving methods for leftovers: You can serve the reheated chicken over rice or mashed potatoes. Drizzle some extra sauce on top for added flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley can give it a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Make sure to thaw them first. This ensures even cooking. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option. Just remember, never cook chicken from frozen in a slow cooker. This can lead to unsafe cooking practices. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. You can store leftover chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure it is in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the chicken. It can last up to six months in the freezer. To maintain best quality, label the container with the date. When reheating, ensure it is heated to 165°F for safe eating. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some great options: - Fluffy white rice - Creamy mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - A fresh green salad - Quinoa or couscous These sides complement the rich flavors of the chicken nicely. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites! This blog post provided a detailed guide for making a delicious cranberry balsamic chicken dish. I covered the ingredients, from chicken thighs to cranberries, and shared tips for measurement and freshness. The step-by-step instructions simplified preparation, cooking, and presentation. In today’s cooking, flavor and methods matter. Experiment with ingredients and techniques to suit your taste. Enjoy the cooking process, and share your creations! Your kitchen can become a space for tasty meals and happy memories.

Slow Cooker Cranberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs

Discover the delicious flavors of slow cooker cranberry balsamic chicken thighs! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh cranberries, and a sweet tangy balsamic sauce for a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, simply sear, slow cook, and serve for a hearty dish your family will love. Click to explore this recipe and impress your guests with a delightful dinner idea!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup fresh cranberries (substitute with frozen if preferred)

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, along with a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture will serve as a flavorful marinade for your chicken.

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Add the thighs to the skillet and sear for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. While browning is optional, it adds a depth of flavor to the final dish.

      After browning, transfer the chicken thighs into the slow cooker and pour the prepared cranberry and balsamic marinade evenly over them.

        Gently scatter the fresh cranberries atop the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

          Secure the lid on the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

            Once the cooking time is complete, you can either shred the chicken subtly with a fork in the sauce for a more shredded texture or serve the thighs whole, drenching them with the luscious sauce.

              Before serving, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 6-7 hours | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Plate the chicken thighs on a fluffy bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes, generously drizzled with the rich cranberry balsamic sauce. For an added flourish, garnishing with extra parsley will enhance the visual appeal.