Name: How to Make Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491282H31M52S
Total time: PT-491282H31M52S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup fig jam (or fig preserves); 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Tired of dry, flavorless chicken that leaves you disappointed at dinnertime? I’ve been there too.

As someone who once struggled with consistently producing juicy chicken, discovering this Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken recipe was a game-changer. This dish delivers incredibly tender chicken bathed in a sweet-savory sauce that’s elevated with creamy goat cheese for a restaurant-quality meal right from your slow cooker.

Hi there! I’m Alexandra, a 38-year-old self-taught chef, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart. Years ago, when hosting my first dinner party, I was searching for something impressive yet foolproof.

After experimenting with flavor combinations, I discovered that fig jam’s natural sweetness pairs beautifully with tangy goat cheese, creating a magical sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect chicken cuts, prepping your ingredients efficiently, mastering the slow cooking process, and answering common questions about this delicious Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken.

Whether you’re a busy parent needing a reliable weeknight dinner or someone looking to impress guests without hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers every time.

Why This Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken Recipe Works

Uses budget-friendly chicken thighs that become incredibly tender in the slow cooker
Requires just 15 minutes of prep time with minimal hands-on attention
Creates a sophisticated flavor profile that works for both casual family dinners and special occasions
Generates its own luscious sauce that requires no additional thickening
Perfect make-ahead meal that actually improves in flavor overnight

Choosing the Right Chicken for Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

Best Cuts for This Recipe

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are my top recommendation for this Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken recipe. The higher fat content keeps the meat moist during the long cooking process, while the bones add depth of flavor to the sauce. Boneless thighs work well too, with slightly shorter cooking times.

Chicken breasts can be used if you prefer white meat, but be cautious not to overcook them. They’ll need about 1-2 hours less cooking time than thighs to prevent dryness.

Buying Tips

When shopping for chicken for this slow cooker recipe, look for:

Plump, pinkish thighs with intact skin (if using skin-on)
Packages without excess liquid at the bottom (indicates freshness)
Free-range or organic chicken if budget allows (offers better flavor)
Even-sized pieces that will cook at the same rate

Substitutions

If chicken isn’t available, you can adapt this recipe with:

Turkey thighs (increase cooking time by 30 minutes)
Firm white fish like cod (reduce cooking time to 1-2 hours on low) check out my Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce for another delicious fish option
Firm tofu for a vegetarian option (reduce cooking time to 2 hours)

Ingredients & Prep for Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

How to Make Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

Chicken Prep Essentials

Before adding your chicken to the slow cooker, take these important steps:

Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels (this helps seasonings adhere)
Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides
If time allows, let seasoned chicken sit for 30 minutes at room temperature for more flavorful results
For extra flavor, briefly brown chicken skin in a hot skillet (optional but recommended)

Flavor Components

2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (4-6 pieces)
½ cup fig jam or preserve
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste

Pantry Staples

Make sure you have these basics on hand:

Olive oil for sautéing aromatics
Salt and black pepper for seasoning
Chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
Balsamic vinegar for depth and tanginess
Dried herbs if fresh aren’t available (use ⅓ the amount)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

Pre-Cooking Prep for Slow Cooker Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Brown chicken pieces skin-side down until golden (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step is optional but adds tremendous flavor.
While chicken browns, whisk together fig jam, balsamic vinegar, and chicken broth in a small bowl.
Mince garlic and chop fresh herbs.

Slow Cooker Method for Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

Lightly coat the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or olive oil.
Place browned chicken pieces in the slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
Scatter minced garlic and half the herbs around and over chicken.
Pour the fig jam mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours (chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature).
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the chicken pieces.

Doneness Check for Slow Cooker Chicken

The chicken is perfectly cooked when:

It reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part
The meat easily pulls away from the bone (for bone-in cuts)
Juices run clear when pierced
Thighs become tender but still hold their shape

Finishing Your Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

Carefully transfer chicken to a serving platter using tongs.
If sauce seems too thin, transfer to a saucepan and simmer for 5-10 minutes to reduce.
Spoon sauce over chicken and sprinkle with remaining fresh herbs.
Add an additional small crumble of goat cheese on top for presentation.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

Avoiding Dry Chicken

Don’t lift the slow cooker lid during cooking (each peek adds 15-20 minutes to cooking time)
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts when possible for more forgiving results
If using chicken breasts, check for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking
Adding a splash more broth creates extra moisture during cooking

Tool Recommendations

A programmable slow cooker with auto-warm function prevents overcooking
Instant-read thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time
Silicone-tipped tongs for easily turning and removing chicken without tearing the skin
Small whisk for thoroughly combining the fig jam mixture

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container with sauce for up to 3 days
For best reheating results, warm chicken and sauce together in a covered skillet over medium-low heat
Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to refresh the sauce
This dish often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop

Looking for more recipe inspiration? Find delicious ideas on my Pinterest page where I share weekly meal planning tips and seasonal favorites!

Flavor Variations for Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

Sweet & Spicy Twist

Transform this Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken with a kick of heat by adding:

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha mixed into the fig jam
A diced jalapeño scattered among the chicken pieces
Substitute half the fig jam with hot pepper jelly

Herb & Citrus Edition

Brighten your Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken with these fresh additions:

Add zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce
Substitute the rosemary with fresh tarragon for a French-inspired flavor
Include 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley at the end
Add 1 teaspoon orange zest for a citrusy note that complements the figs

Mediterranean Flair

Give your Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken a Mediterranean twist:

Add ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives in the last hour of cooking
Substitute feta for goat cheese
Include 1 tablespoon of dried oregano in the sauce
Add 2 tablespoons of capers before serving
Pair with my Greek-Style Lemon Potatoes for a complete meal

Flavor Variation	Key Ingredients	Cooking Adjustments	Best Pairings
Sweet & Spicy	Red pepper flakes, sriracha	None needed	Cooling cucumber salad
Herb & Citrus	Lemon zest, tarragon	Reduce cooking time by 15 min	Steamed rice or quinoa
Mediterranean	Kalamata olives, feta cheese	Add olives in last hour	Greek-style potatoes

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

This versatile Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken pairs beautifully with:

Creamy polenta or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce
Simple steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors
Crusty artisan bread for dipping in the sauce
Wild rice pilaf for a nutty, wholesome complement
Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips in cooler months
Baked Pears for a complementary fruit-forward dessert

For a complete meal, I recommend a starch, a green vegetable, and a simple salad. The sweet-savory flavors of the chicken pair especially well with sides that have some texture to contrast with the tender meat.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken for this slow cooker recipe?

While fresh chicken produces the best results, you can use frozen chicken pieces. Add approximately 1-2 hours to the cooking time and skip the browning step. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before serving.

What if I can’t find fig jam?

Apricot preserves, peach jam, or even cranberry sauce make excellent substitutes with slightly different but complementary flavor profiles. In a pinch, honey mixed with a small amount of balsamic vinegar can mimic some of the sweet-tangy aspects of fig jam.

How do I prevent the goat cheese from completely disappearing into the sauce?

Add the goat cheese during the final 30 minutes of cooking, and use cold cheese directly from the refrigerator rather than room temperature. Alternatively, reserve some goat cheese to crumble on top just before serving for a more prominent cheese presence.

Can this dish be made ahead for a dinner party?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors improve when made a day ahead. Cook completely, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently in the slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours before serving, adding the final goat cheese topping just before guests arrive.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken is perfect for meal prep. The chicken keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and can be portioned into individual containers with sauce and a side of your choice for easy grab-and-go meals.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that balances sweetness, tanginess, and richness. The hands-off cooking method makes it perfect for busy weeknights while the sophisticated flavor profile means it’s equally at home at a dinner party.

How to Make Slow Cooker Fig Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken