Cooktop Cove: After my Amish neighbor gifted me jars of this amazing concoction, I was determined to replicate the recipe!
By Georgia Lynn
Blackberry balsamic glazed chicken is a delightful dish that beautifully captures the essence of Midwest summers, with their abundance of fresh blackberries. This recipe combines the sweet-tart flavor of blackberries with the rich depth of balsamic vinegar, creating a glaze that is both comforting and sophisticated. It's a dish that brings back memories of family gatherings, where the air is filled with laughter and the aroma of home-cooked meals. You might want to make this dish to bring a touch of nostalgia to your dinner table, or simply to enjoy the harmony of flavors that this glaze imparts to tender chicken.
This slow cooker blackberry balsamic glazed chicken pairs wonderfully with rustic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which complement the rich glaze. A side of roasted seasonal vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, adds a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a fresh mixed greens salad, perhaps with a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese and a light vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the glaze.
Slow Cooker Blackberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed)
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly.
Strain the blackberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing down to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids and set the glaze aside.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Place the seared chicken in a slow cooker. Pour the blackberry balsamic glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle with additional glaze from the slow cooker before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. If fresh blackberries are unavailable, frozen ones work just as well. For a thicker glaze, let it reduce further in the saucepan or add a cornstarch slurry before straining. Consider adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
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