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Home » Recipes » Chicken

Easy Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken Thighs

Modified: Sep 24, 2025 by Kori Butler

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Slow cooker balsamic chicken is a high-protein, low-carb, and naturally gluten-free dinner you can feel good about. Juicy chicken simmers in a tangy balsamic sauce with onion and tomatoes until it's fall-apart tender-healthy comfort food made simple in the slow cooker.

Slow cooker balsamic chicken served over riced cauliflower on a white plate.Pin
Jump to:
  • The backstory.
  • It's a must-make.
  • Let's talk texture and flavor.
  • What you'll need.
  • Customize it your way.
  • Flexible dietary swaps.
  • How to make this balsamic chicken slow cooker recipe.
  • How to serve it.
  • Kori's tips.
  • FAQ's
  • 📖 The recipe.
  • Crockpot Balsamic Chicken
  • More Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipes
  • More Recipes You Will Love
  • 💬 What readers are saying.

The backstory.

This recipe started as one of my "pantry challenge" dinners. I had chicken in the freezer, canned tomatoes on the shelf, and a bottle of balsamic vinegar that I only ever seemed to use for salad dressing. Into the slow cooker it all went-and the result was a saucy, cozy chicken dish that tasted way fancier than the effort required. I've been making it ever since because it's simple, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.

xoxo Kori

It's a must-make.

This slow cooker balsamic chicken recipe is a must make because it's healthy, hands-off cooking that delivers serious flavor with minimal effort.

  • Easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe
  • High protein and naturally low carb
  • Pantry-friendly ingredients you already have on hand
  • Tender chicken in a tangy, savory balsamic sauce

When life gets busy, I love letting my slow cooker do the work-this balsamic chicken proves that simple ingredients can make something truly crave-worthy.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

Every bite of this balsamic chicken slow cooker recipe balances sweet, tangy, and savory. The balsamic vinegar and tomatoes meld into a rich sauce that clings to juicy, fall-apart chicken. Onion and garlic add warmth, while Italian herbs keep it bright. The sauce is velvety, spoonable, and perfect for soaking into rice, pasta, or mashed cauliflower.

What you'll need.

Ingredients needed for making slow cooker balsamic chicken on a wooden board.

Here's what you're going to need to make slow cooker balsamic chicken:

  • Chicken Thighs. Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work-breasts stay lean, while thighs stay juicier if cooked longer.
  • Vegetables. Onion and canned diced tomatoes create the base of the sauce with a touch of sweetness.
  • Seasonings. Minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper layer in classic Italian-inspired flavor.
  • Olive oil. Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist.
  • Balsamic vinegar. The star ingredient that transforms everything into a tangy, savory-sweet sauce.

If you love this slow cooker balsamic chicken, you'll definitely want to check out my roundup of boneless skinless chicken thigh recipes-packed with flavor, simple to make, and perfect for keeping dinner fresh and exciting all week long.

Customize it your way.

This crockpot balsamic chicken is versatile, so feel free to make it your own:
• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if preferred
• Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for more veggies
• Stir in a splash of cream or a sprinkle of parmesan at the end for a richer sauce
• Toss in red pepper flakes if you like a little heat

Flexible dietary swaps.

Here are some healthy alternatives for this slow cooker balsamic chicken recipe:

  • Gluten-free. Naturally gluten-free as written. If thickening, use cornstarch or xanthan gum instead of flour.
  • Dairy-free. The recipe is dairy-free; if you garnish, skip the parmesan or choose a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low sodium. Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes and reduce the added salt.
  • Low sugar. If your balsamic vinegar tastes too tart, balance with a sugar-free sweetener instead of brown sugar.

How to make this balsamic chicken slow cooker recipe.

A true dump-and-go recipe. Here's how to pull it together:

Crock pot balsamic chicken with boneless skinless chicken thighs balsamic vinegar and veggies layered in a white oval slow cooker.Pin

Add ingredients

Layer all of the ingredients into the slow cooker.

Slow cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs in a balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and veggie blend.Pin

Slow cook

Cover and slow cooker until the chicken thighs are done.

How to serve it.

A white plate served with slow cooker balsamic chicken garnished with fresh parsley.Pin

Slow cooker balsamic chicken is one of those recipes you'll find yourself serving in all kinds of delicious ways:

  • Piled over rice, pasta, or creamy mashed cauliflower to soak up every drop of sauce
  • Alongside roasted veggies with a hunk of crusty bread for dipping
  • Shredded into wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls for easy next-day lunches
  • Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a bright, herby pop

Kori's tips.

  • Thinly slice the onion so it softens fully during cooking.
  • If using chicken breasts, check early-thighs are less likely to dry out and hold up better for longer cook times.
  • Taste your balsamic-if it leans too acidic, stir in a touch of brown sugar or sweetener after cooking.
  • For a quick thickening shortcut, transfer the juices to a saucepan and whisk in cornstarch until glossy.
  • Leftovers are even better the next day-perfect for easy lunches.

FAQ's

What is the best way to store it?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze it?

Yes-freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What's the best way to reheat it?

Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

Pinterest pin with the words easy slow cooker balsamic chicken recipe and a white plate.Pin

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

A white plate of crockpot balsamic chicken over cauliflower.

Crockpot Balsamic Chicken

Crock pot balsamic chicken is a healthy, easy recipe that makes tender chicken simmered in a tangy balsamic sauce with onion and tomatoes. It's high in protein, naturally low in carbs, and comes together with pantry staples.
4.47 from 155 votes
Print Recipe Save Saved!
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 8 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 8 minutes mins
Course Chicken
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 197 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small onion thinly sliced (if not following a low carb diet, use 1 large onion)
  • 5 to 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (butter or avocado oil also work well)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoon garlic (minced)
  • ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar (can use up to ½ cup)
  • 2 (14-ounce) ounce cans of diced tomatoes
  • Optional low carb thickener: ½ teaspoon xanthan gum mixed with ½ teaspoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray. Add onions first, then chicken breasts, olive oil, seasonings, balsamic vinegar, and then tomatoes.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or until chicken is done. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Video

Kori's Tips

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: Slice onions thinly so they cook down evenly. Use chicken thighs if cooking longer than 4 hours—they stay juicier than boneless chicken breasts. Taste your balsamic and adjust with a touch of brown sugar or sugar substitute if too tart.
VARIATIONS: Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies. Stir in parmesan or a splash of cream at the end for a richer sauce. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat. 
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed cauliflower. Pair with roasted vegetables and crusty bread. Shred and use in wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for brightness.

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 8.9gProtein: 22.6gFat: 8.8gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 247mgFiber: 1.8gSugar: 6.2g
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

More Keto Crockpot Chicken Recipes

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Here's a low carb and high protein crockpot chicken recipe that's easy and healthy dinner. Crockpot Balsamic Chicken results in tasty tender chicken with an Italian balsamic vinegar sauce with onions and tomatoes. An easy recipe that is perfect for weeknight meals. Make this one pot meal with ingredients you have on hand. #SeekingGoodEats #crockpotrecipes #slowcookerrecipes #balsamic #easydinner #pantrymeal #chickenrecipe #healthydinner #lowcarb

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Naomi C

    April 19, 2023 at 1:32 pm

    I’ve made this a couple times. So good and so easy. Perfect on those days that I don’t know what to make. This also freezes well for lunches later.
    Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Lauren

    November 04, 2022 at 11:36 am

    Do you drain the tomatoes or use the juice?

    Reply
    • seekinggoodeats

      November 07, 2022 at 7:44 am

      The tomatoes are not drained, add juice and all Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Laura

    September 08, 2022 at 12:00 pm

    Can I substitute crushed tomatoes for diced?

    Reply
    • Kori

      September 08, 2022 at 2:18 pm

      Yes, that's totally works! Hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Ashlyn Joliet

    April 11, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    Can you use frozen chicken breasts right out of the freezer or will they need to be thawed first?

    Reply
    • Kori

      April 12, 2021 at 11:13 am

      I would thaw (or partially thaw) the chicken first - hope you enjoy!

      Reply
      • Ashlyn Joliet

        April 12, 2021 at 6:17 pm

        Thank you for responding so quickly! I look forward to trying out this recipe soon. 🙂

        Reply
  5. KARIN BURTON

    January 17, 2021 at 5:41 pm

    Is that 2 tsp of fresh diced garlic? I see it in the ingredients but not the instructions.

    Reply
    • Kori

      January 17, 2021 at 5:48 pm

      Yes it is! Minced is fine too...hope you enjoy!

      Reply
4.47 from 155 votes (155 ratings without comment)

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Image of Kori Butler Seeking Good Eats Founder

Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

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