Easy Cherry-Sage Glazed Chicken

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Serves 4

Cooking Time 2 to 3 hours on Low

Slow Cooker Size 5½ to 7 Quarts

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS: When slow-cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the biggest challenge is getting moist, tender meat despite the long cooking time. To keep the lean chicken juicy and tender, we found that using the low heat setting and minding our time range were essential. We also cooked the breasts in a flavorful liquid to even out the heat and to infuse the meat with flavor. Next, we needed to perfect the glaze, which we would use to coat the chicken before serving. Instead of turning to the stovetop to thicken a sauce, we used cherry preserves, which gave our sauce a thick, fruity base from the start. To ramp up the fruity flavor even more, we added dried cherries, which we softened in the microwave with some of the braising liquid. Sage reinforced the savory flavor of our chicken and added depth to our flavorful glaze. See the sidebar that follows the recipe.

½	cup chicken broth
2	(2-inch) strips orange zest
1	teaspoon minced garlic
1	teaspoon dried sage
4	(6- to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
	Salt and pepper
½	cup dried cherries
1	cup cherry preserves

1. Combine broth, orange zest, garlic, and sage in slow cooker. Season chicken with salt and pepper and nestle into slow cooker. Cover and cook until chicken is tender, 2 to 3 hours on low.

2. Transfer chicken to plate and tent with aluminum foil. Microwave ¼ cup braising liquid and cherries in bowl until cherries are soft, about 2 minutes; stir in preserves until well combined.

3. Season glaze with salt and pepper to taste. Dip chicken into glaze to coat and transfer to clean platter. Pour remaining glaze over top and serve.