Chicken Chasseur is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken with a rich sauce made from tomatoes, mushrooms, and white wine. Traditionally, this dish is cooked slowly on the stovetop or in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
But what if you don’t have time to stand over the stove or wait for the oven to do its magic? Enter the slow cooker. This convenient kitchen appliance can make cooking Chicken Chasseur a breeze, as it does all the work for you while you go about your day.
So, how long does Chicken Chasseur take in the slow cooker? The answer depends on the size of your chicken pieces and the settings of your slow cooker. In general, it takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat for the chicken to become fork-tender and the flavors to fully develop.
However, it’s always a good idea to check the chicken for doneness before serving. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for optimal safety and taste.
Preparing Chicken Chasseur in the Slow Cooker
If you love the rich flavors of French cuisine but don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen, then Chicken Chasseur in the slow cooker is the perfect dish for you. This classic French dish combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a savory sauce made with tomatoes, red wine, and herbs. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together slowly, resulting in a dish that is absolutely delicious.
To prepare Chicken Chasseur in the slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
To begin, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until the onions are softened and the mushrooms are browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, placing it on top of the chicken.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, red wine, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Serve the Chicken Chasseur hot, over a bed of cooked rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
This slow cooker Chicken Chasseur recipe is not only delicious, but it also allows you to enjoy the flavors of a traditional French dish with minimal effort. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a mouthwatering meal that your whole family will love.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When making Chicken Chasseur in the slow cooker, it is important to choose the right ingredients to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are some tips on selecting the best ingredients:
1. Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks for the best results. The skin will help keep the chicken moist and add extra flavor to the dish.
2. Mushrooms: Choose fresh mushrooms like cremini or button mushrooms for a rich and earthy taste. Make sure to clean them well and slice them evenly for even cooking.
3. Shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which makes them perfect for this dish. Look for small, firm shallots in the produce section of your grocery store.
4. Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will add a pungent and aromatic flavor to the Chicken Chasseur. Avoid using pre-minced garlic as it may lack the same intensity of flavor.
5. Tomatoes: Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for a fresh and tangy taste. You can use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Make sure to drain them before adding them to the slow cooker.
6. Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley will elevate the flavor of the dish. If fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried ones, but use them sparingly as they can be more potent in flavor.
By choosing the right ingredients and using them in the correct quantities, you can create a mouthwatering Chicken Chasseur in the slow cooker. Experiment with different variations to find the combination that suits your taste buds the best!
Prepping the Chicken
Before you can start cooking your delicious Chicken Chasseur in the slow cooker, you need to prepare the chicken. Follow these simple steps to ensure your chicken is perfectly prepped:
1. Choose the Right Chicken
Start by selecting fresh, high-quality chicken for the best taste and texture. Whether you prefer chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken, make sure it is suitable for slow cooking.
2. Trim Excess Fat
Remove any excess fat from the chicken pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen shears. This will help reduce the greasiness and make your dish healthier.
3. Season with Salt and Pepper
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken pieces to enhance their flavor. Seasoning the chicken before slow cooking will ensure it absorbs the flavors of the Chasseur sauce.
4. Sear the Chicken
For an extra boost of flavor, sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil. This will create a golden-brown crust on the chicken and add depth to the dish.
5. Optional Marinade
If you have time, marinate the chicken in a mixture of herbs, garlic, and wine for a few hours or overnight. This step is not necessary, but it can infuse the chicken with additional flavors.
Once you have prepped the chicken, you are ready to proceed with the slow cooker recipe. Follow the remaining instructions to create a mouthwatering Chicken Chasseur that will impress your family and friends.
Cooking Chicken Chasseur in the Slow Cooker
Chicken Chasseur is a classic French dish that is bursting with rich flavors. Traditionally, it is made by braising chicken pieces in a savory sauce with mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and white wine. While this dish can take hours to prepare and cook on the stovetop, using a slow cooker can make it much easier and more convenient.
Ingredients:
To make Chicken Chasseur in the slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks) | 4 |
Mushrooms, sliced | 8 ounces |
Onion, chopped | 1 |
Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
Dry white wine | 1 cup |
Chicken broth | 1 cup |
Thyme, dried | 1 teaspoon |
Bay leaves | 2 |
Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | To taste |
Black pepper | To taste |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions:
Follow these steps to cook Chicken Chasseur in the slow cooker:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the dried thyme and bay leaves to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken.
Serve Chicken Chasseur over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy the delicious flavors of this French classic made with the convenience of a slow cooker.
Adding the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for your chicken chasseur recipe, it’s time to start adding them to the slow cooker. Follow these simple steps:
- Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker. It’s best to use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces as they add flavor to the dish.
- Mushrooms: Wash and slice the mushrooms. Add them to the slow cooker on top of the chicken.
- Onion and Garlic: Peel and chop the onion and garlic cloves. Scatter them over the chicken and mushrooms in the slow cooker.
- Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Crush the canned tomatoes using your hands or a fork, then pour them into the slow cooker. Add the tomato paste as well to enhance the rich flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Measure out the dried thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Sprinkle them over the tomato mixture in the slow cooker, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Wine and Stock: Pour the red wine and chicken stock into the slow cooker. These liquid components will help tenderize the chicken and create a flavorful sauce.
- Cornstarch: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently.
- Cooking Time and Temperature: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the chicken chasseur for around 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remember to put the lid securely on the slow cooker to retain the heat and moisture. Avoid opening the lid frequently during cooking, as this may extend the cooking time. Allow the aroma of the chicken chasseur to fill your kitchen as it slowly cooks to perfection!
Setting the Cooking Time and Temperature
When it comes to cooking chicken chasseur in a slow cooker, it’s important to get the cooking time and temperature just right. This will ensure that the chicken is tender and flavorful, and that the flavors of the other ingredients have had time to meld together.
Generally, you’ll want to cook chicken chasseur on low heat for a longer period of time. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, and allows the flavors to develop fully. A cooking time of around 6-8 hours on low heat is typically recommended.
However, if you’re short on time, you can also cook chicken chasseur on high heat for a shorter period of time. This will result in a faster cooking time of around 3-4 hours, but the chicken may not be quite as tender as it would be with a longer cooking time.
Regardless of the cooking time you choose, it’s important to always use a food thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
So, whether you have all day to let your chicken chasseur simmer in the slow cooker, or you need a quick and easy dinner option, the cooking time and temperature are key to achieving the best results.
Serving and Storing Chicken Chasseur
Once your chicken chasseur has finished cooking in the slow cooker, it is ready to be served and enjoyed. This delicious dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. The rich and savory flavors of the chicken and mushrooms in the chasseur sauce make it a perfect main course for a family dinner or special occasion.
To serve the chicken chasseur, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an added touch of freshness and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the chicken chasseur in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remember to discard any leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours to ensure food safety. Chicken chasseur can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept frozen for up to three months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as desired.
Whether served fresh or reheated, chicken chasseur is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please any crowd. Try it for your next meal and enjoy the rich and satisfying flavors!
Questions and answers
Can I cook chicken chasseur in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely cook chicken chasseur in a slow cooker. It is a perfect dish to cook in a slow cooker as the slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.
How long does chicken chasseur take to cook in the slow cooker?
The cooking time for chicken chasseur in a slow cooker can vary depending on the recipe and the size of the chicken pieces. Generally, it takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. It is important to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.