Fruity Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary journey with this Fruity Crock Pot Chicken recipe that combines savory and sweet flavors in every bite. Perfect for a wholesome family meal or a cozy dinner with friends, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds with its tender chicken and vibrant fruity accents.
Recipe Details:
- Name: Fruity Crock Pot Chicken
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion, sliced |
| 6 | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| 1/3 cup | Soy sauce |
| 2 tbsp | Worcestershire sauce |
| 2 tbsp | Dijon mustard |
| 2 tbsp | Orange zest |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 1/3 cup | Dried cranberries |
| 1/2 cup | Fresh cherries, pitted and halved |
| Cooked rice, for serving |
Instructions:
-
Layering the Flavors: Start by placing the sliced onion at the bottom of your crock pot, creating a flavorful base for the chicken.
-
Adding the Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the onions in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
-
Creating the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and orange zest. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
-
Pouring Over the Chicken: Once combined, pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with the tangy and savory essence of the sauce.
-
Adding the Fruity Touch: Sprinkle the dried cranberries and halved cherries over the chicken. These ingredients not only add a burst of sweetness but also complement the savory flavors perfectly.
-
Slow Cooking Perfection: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the cooking temperature to low. Let it cook for 8 hours or until the chicken is tender and the juices run clear. This slow cooking process ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the Fruity Crock Pot Chicken over a bed of cooked rice. The rice acts as a wonderful base to soak up the delicious juices and flavors from the chicken and fruits.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 188.2
- Fat: 1.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 68.4mg
- Sodium: 525.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.8g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 9.1g
- Protein: 28.9g
Tips for Success:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or mustard to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Fresh vs. Dried Fruits: While dried cranberries work well in this recipe, you can also experiment with other dried fruits like apricots or raisins for added variety.
- Cooking Time: Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches a safe level for poultry.
Serving Suggestions:
This Fruity Crock Pot Chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete and nutritious meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness.
Conclusion:
With its blend of savory soy sauce, tangy Worcestershire, zesty orange zest, and the natural sweetness of dried cranberries and cherries, this Fruity Crock Pot Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the process of slow cooking as the aromas fill your kitchen and anticipation builds for a delicious meal ahead.
