Citrus-Glazed Slow Cooked Chicken
Brighten your dinner table with this Citrus-Glazed Slow Cooked Chicken recipe. This delightful one-dish meal features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a tangy and subtly sweet glaze made from a harmonious blend of molasses, orange juice, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy gathering, this recipe slow cooks the chicken to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, and prepare to savor the sunshine in each bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
6 (boneless, skinless)
Molasses
1/4 cup
Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons
Worcestershire Sauce
2 tablespoons
Orange Juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
Dijon Mustard
2 tablespoons
Hot Pepper Sauce
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by arranging the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
2
In a separate bowl, mix together the molasses, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and hot pepper sauce until well combined.
3
Brush the mixture generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 7 to 9 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5
Once cooked, serve the chicken with a drizzle of the glaze from the slow cooker for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Glazed Slow Cooked Chicken?
It is a tender, juicy chicken dish featuring a tangy and subtly sweet glaze made from molasses, orange juice, and Dijon mustard, cooked slowly to perfection.
What are the main ingredients for the glaze?
The glaze is made from a blend of molasses, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and a hint of hot pepper sauce.
How long does this recipe take to cook on low heat?
The chicken should be cooked on low heat for 7 to 9 hours.
How long does this recipe take to cook on high heat?
If you are in a hurry, you can cook the chicken on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How should I arrange the chicken in the slow cooker?
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
Should I use fresh orange juice?
Yes, using freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is the hot pepper sauce very spicy?
The recipe only uses 1/8 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, which adds a subtle depth of flavor rather than significant heat.
How much molasses is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of molasses.
What kind of vinegar is best for this chicken?
Cider vinegar is specified for this recipe to provide the necessary tanginess.
Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
While Dijon mustard is recommended for its specific flavor, you can substitute other mustards if necessary, though the taste may vary.
How do I apply the glaze?
Once the glaze ingredients are mixed, brush the mixture generously and evenly over the chicken breasts.
Should I serve the chicken with the cooking liquid?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the chicken with a drizzle of the glaze from the slow cooker for an extra burst of flavor.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as healthy and uses lean chicken breasts.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: chicken breasts, molasses, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and hot pepper sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, boneless thighs could be used, though cooking times may need slight adjustment.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, as a slow cooker meal, it allows you to go about your day while the meal cooks itself.
Does this recipe work for a crowd?
With 6 chicken breasts, it is well-suited for a family dinner or a small gathering.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is bright, citrusy, tangy, and subtly sweet due to the orange juice and molasses.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
No, the instructions indicate that you can place the raw chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker.
Is there a lot of sodium in this recipe?
The primary sources of sodium are the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, but specific nutritional values are not provided.
Can I make this glaze in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the glaze ingredients together ahead of time and store them until you are ready to cook.
What sides go well with this citrus chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal, making cleanup much easier.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What makes the glaze 'citrusy'?
The use of fresh orange juice provides the signature citrus flavor.
Can I skip the molasses?
Molasses is a key ingredient for the glaze's sweetness and consistency, so skipping it would significantly change the dish.
Does the chicken stay juicy in the slow cooker?
Yes, the slow cooking process combined with the glaze helps keep the chicken breasts tender and moist.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and tangy flavor profile is generally very appealing to children.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but the recipe suggests freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor results.