Balsamic Pear, Chicken, and Asparagus

An unusual blend of seasonings flavor this slow cooker meal that takes advantage of the abundance of asparagus available in the spring. In other seasons fresh green beans would be an option to replace the asparagus.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 4 hr
• Total Time: 4 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 309 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons apple juice
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1 onion, sliced thin
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into strips
• 2 ripe Bartlett pears, cored and sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours.

Step 2

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken in the hot oil until completely browned, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a slow cooker. Add the onion to the chicken; season with salt and pepper. Place the pears and asparagus atop the chicken mixture.

Step 3

Mix the garlic, balsamic vinegar, apple juice, rosemary, ginger, and sugar together in a bowl; pour over the asparagus. Season again with salt and pepper.