Savory Balsamic Cream Cheese Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Savory Balsamic Cream Cheese Chicken Thighs. This enticing slow cooker dish combines tender, boneless chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant balsamic vinegar blend with aromatic herbs and garlic, resulting in a dish that's bursting with flavor. Topped with velvety cream cheese, this hearty meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy evenings. Serve it over your favorite pasta or rice for a delightful one-dish meal the whole family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
6 (cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces)
Garlic Cloves
4-6 (minced)
Balsamic Vinegar
1 cup (none)
Dried Oregano
2 teaspoons (none)
Dried Basil
2 teaspoons (none)
Dried Rosemary
2 teaspoons (none)
Dried Thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
White Sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
Instructions
1
Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch bite-size pieces and place them in a 1-gallon freezer bag or airtight container.
2
In a mini food processor, combine balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and white sugar. Blend until the herbs and garlic are finely chopped and well mixed. If you don't have a food processor, make sure to chop the herbs and garlic as finely as possible.
3
Pour the marinade mixture into the freezer bag with the chicken, seal tightly, and remove as much air as you can to ensure thorough marination. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or freeze for later use.
4
When ready to cook, transfer the marinated chicken and all the marinade into a slow cooker. Set to high and cook for 2 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5
Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker and add the cream cheese. Allow it to soften and melt, then stir well to combine into a creamy sauce.
6
Serve the balsamic chicken over cooked pasta or rice, garnishing as desired for a delicious meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Balsamic Cream Cheese Chicken Thighs?
It is a rich and creamy slow cooker dish featuring chicken thighs marinated in balsamic vinegar and herbs, finished with a velvet-smooth cream cheese sauce.
How many chicken thighs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
How should the chicken be prepared before marinating?
The chicken thighs should be cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces.
What ingredients are in the balsamic marinade?
The marinade includes balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and white sugar.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
You will need 1 cup of balsamic vinegar for the marinade.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 4 to 6 minced garlic cloves.
What dried herbs are included in the recipe?
The dried herbs used are oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme.
Is there any sugar in the balsamic chicken recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of white sugar to balance the balsamic vinegar.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the recommended marinating time?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 2 hours.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and marinade together in an airtight container for later use.
How long does the chicken cook in the slow cooker?
The chicken should cook for 2 to 4 hours on the high setting.
What setting should I use on my slow cooker?
Set the slow cooker to the high heat setting for this recipe.
When should I add the cream cheese?
Add the cream cheese once the cooking is complete and the slow cooker has been turned off.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cubed cream cheese.
How do I incorporate the cream cheese into the sauce?
Allow the cream cheese to soften and melt in the slow cooker, then stir well to combine it into a creamy sauce.
What should I serve with Savory Balsamic Cream Cheese Chicken?
It is best served over your favorite pasta or rice.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
A mini food processor is recommended to blend the marinade, but you can also chop the ingredients finely by hand.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
While the recipe specifies boneless skinless chicken thighs, you could substitute other cuts, though cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe considered an easy dinner?
Yes, it is designed as an easy, hearty meal perfect for busy evenings.
How much dried oregano is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
How much dried basil is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
How much dried rosemary is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary.
How much dried thyme is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, the creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a dish the whole family will love.
Should I remove air from the freezer bag when marinating?
Yes, remove as much air as possible to ensure the chicken is thoroughly covered by the marinade.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though you may need to adjust the quantities as dried herbs are typically more potent than fresh.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal when served over a base like rice or pasta.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through and tender, usually after 2-4 hours on high.
What is the final texture of the sauce?
The combination of the balsamic marinade and melted cream cheese results in a rich, velvety, and creamy sauce.