If you're looking for an easy recipe made with a handful of ingredients that the entire family will love, this Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken recipe is about to be on repeat. It's one of those easy slow cooker recipes that feels fancy but takes minimal effort, perfect for a busy weeknight or simple meal prep.
We're using skinless chicken breasts, quality balsamic vinaigrette (made with avocado oil), and a handful of simple ingredients. Toss everything into the crock pot, let it slow cook, shred, add gnocchi, and dinner is done.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple ingredients
- Minimal effort with maximum flavor
- A meal the whole family will love
- Perfect for meal prep
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Ingredients
- Skinless chicken breasts - Lean, high-protein base that shreds beautifully after slow cooking
- Balsamic vinaigrette - The main flavor component; choose one made with avocado oil for a fat source that's heart heathy.
- Gnocchi - Soft, pillowy pasta that soaks up the savory balsamic sauce perfectly
- Cherry tomatoes - Fresh, juicy topping that adds brightness and balance
- Garlic clove - Adds bold, fresh flavor to the tomato salad
- Fresh basil leaves - Brings a light, herby finish that pairs perfectly with balsamic
- Feta crumbles - Adds creamy, salty contrast to the sweet balsamic notes
- Balsamic glaze - A drizzle on top enhances the rich balsamic flavor and presentation
- Salt & black pepper - Essential for enhancing all the simple ingredients
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Slow Cook the Chicken- Add chicken and balsamic vinaigrette to your slow cooker (crock pot).Cook on high heat for 2-3 hours or on low heat for 3-4 hours. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for best results.
- Add Gnocchi - About 30 minutes before serving shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker. Add the gnocchi and let it cook for 20-30 minutes until tender. The gnocchi soaks up that savory sauce and becomes incredibly flavorful.
- Make the Salad - In a small bowl, combine: cherry tomatoes, garlic, salt & pepper, basil, feta. Toss together and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Serve- Spoon the balsamic chicken and gnocchi into bowls and top with the fresh tomato salad. Serve and enjoy!
Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi or serve over rice. Double-check vinaigrette labels.
- Dairy-Free: Omit feta or use dairy-free feta alternative.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth if adding moisture.
- Chicken Thighs: Swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor.
- Bone-In Chicken: Increase cook time slightly and remove bones before shredding.
- Lower Sugar: Choose a vinaigrette without brown sugar.
Variations
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat
- Add a splash of chicken broth for extra sauce
- Brown shredded chicken under broiler for golden brown edges
Equipment
- 6 Quart Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
- Cutting board
- Small bowl
- Forks (for shredding)
- Meat thermometer
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container
- Keeps in fridge 3-4 days
- Reheats beautifully
- Great for meal prep
Christina's Dietitian Tip
Pairing protein-rich balsamic chicken with fiber from tomatoes and basil helps support fullness and balanced blood sugar. For a lighter option, serve with extra veggies and slightly less gnocchi for a more balanced plate.
FAQ
Absolutely. This recipe is great for meal prep and reheats beautifully. For best texture, prepare the tomato topping fresh before serving.
Yes, but increase cooking time slightly and remove bones before shredding.
Absolutely. It's mild, flavorful, and kid-friendly.
Yes! Serve over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or even over greens for a lighter option.
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Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Equipment
- Slow cooker / crock pot
- Small bowl (for salad)
- Meat thermometer (to check internal temperature)
- Cutting board + knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb Skinless chicken breasts high-protein base that shreds beautifully after slow cooking
- 1 cup Balsamic vinaigrette
- 17.5 oz Gnocchi pillowy pasta that soaks up the savory balsamic sauce perfectly
- 10.5 oz Cherry tomatoes juicy topping that adds brightness and balance
- 1 Garlic clove fresh flavor to the tomato salad
- 3-4 Fresh basil leaves herby finish that pairs perfectly with balsamic
- ¼ cup Feta crumbles salty contrast to the sweet balsamic notes
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic glaze
- Salt & black pepper
Instructions
- Slow Cook the Chicken- Add chicken and balsamic vinaigrette to your slow cooker (crock pot).Cook on high heat for 2-3 hours or on low heat for 3-4 hours. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for best results.
- Add Gnocchi - About 30 minutes before serving shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker. Add the gnocchi and let it cook for 20-30 minutes until tender. The gnocchi soaks up that savory sauce and becomes incredibly flavorful.
- Make the Salad - In a small bowl, combine: cherry tomatoes, garlic, salt & pepper, basil, feta. Toss together and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Serve- Spoon the balsamic chicken and gnocchi into bowls and top with the fresh tomato salad. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 F.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- See more guidelines at USDA.
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