Slow Cooker Balsamic Peach Chicken

📝Shopping list

To make this wonderful crock pot dish, you will need these basic grocery store ingredients:

• boneless skinless chicken breasts - boneless skinless chicken thighs would work too
• peaches - fresh is great when available but frozen peaches work as well
• balsamic vinegar - which perfectly enhances the flavor of the peaches
• honey - because everything is better with a touch of honey
• garlic powder, minced dried onion, ground ginger, and basil - all add great flavor
• salt and pepper - to taste
• fresh basil - for garnish

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it in a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check your slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns.   

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Get Cooking

Start by cutting your peaches and removing the stone.  No need to peel peaches as the skin will soften significantly during cooking. 

Add chicken into the bottom of the slow cooker followed by all remaining ingredients Cover and cook until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.  This takes about 4 hours on low, in my slow cooker, and between 2-3 hours on high.  

Each slow cooker is different.  A meat thermometer is a helpful tool the first time you make this slow cooker chicken dish.

Before serving

Remove the fully cooked chicken breasts and shred them.  I use two forks for this process.  Some people suggest that potato mashers or the beaters of a handheld hand mixer work well.  

Return chicken to slow cooker and stir to fully combine.  Get ready to enjoy your peachy chicken!!

🍽Serving suggestions

White rice, brown rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, and pasta are all great beds for this juicy chicken dish.  Anything that will catch the yummy sauce is perfect! 

Green beans, whole cauliflower, steamed broccoli, and garlic mushrooms are all favorite side dishes with this recipe.  A garden salad and a heel of crusty bread are also great additions to this meal.  

Spice enthusiasts will love this dish, topped with a drizzle of sriracha sauce! 

Serve this delicious peach chicken dish on a piece of toasted or in a lettuce wrap for added crunch!

🔁Substitutions

1. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.  Cooking time should be just about the same
2. Swap Nectarines out for peaches. 
3. Honey can be substituted with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar.
4. Minced dried onion can be substituted with chopped fresh onion or onion powder

😉Hints & hacks

1. This is an easy meal to prep in advance  Just add all the ingredients and seasonings to a storage bag and store in the refrigerator.  Depending on how fresh your chicken is, it should last 2-3 days.  When you are ready to cook, just toss it in your slow cooker and stir!
2. Please note that cooking time for chicken recipes varies based on your slow cooker.  The first time you make this dish, note how long it takes for the chicken to reach 165℉.  This will make it much easier the next time you make it.  
3. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price. 
4. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
5. Don't forget to turn on (and plug in!) your slow cooker!!