Olivia Carter
If you are a fan of hearty and flavorful meals, then Chicken Provencal in a Slow Cooker is a must-try recipe! This classic French dish is packed with the flavors of Provence, featuring a combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato-based sauce. The best part? You can easily prepare it in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a deliciously satisfying meal.
To make Chicken Provencal in a Slow Cooker, you will need a few key ingredients. Start with bone-in chicken thighs, which are perfect for slow cooking as they become incredibly tender and juicy. You will also need tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano to infuse the dish with that unmistakable Provencal flavor.
Once you have gathered all your ingredients, simply combine them in the slow cooker and set it on low heat for about 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the chicken to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors of the tomatoes and herbs. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken dish with a rich and fragrant sauce that will transport you straight to the heart of Provence.
Serve your Chicken Provencal with some crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce. This versatile dish also pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad, making it a perfect choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. So, why wait? Grab your slow cooker and get ready to savor this delectable Chicken Provencal recipe!
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparing and cooking Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker allows for a flavorful and tender dish with minimal effort. The dish requires a few simple steps and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or weekend meals.
Preparation Time
The total preparation time for Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker is approximately 15 minutes. This includes gathering all the necessary ingredients, such as chicken thighs, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, and herbs.
To begin, trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper. Chop the onions and mince the garlic cloves. Drain the olives, if necessary. These steps can be completed ahead of time to save even more preparation time.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker is approximately 4-6 hours on low heat. This long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
First, layer the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top the chicken with the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and olives. Sprinkle the herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano, over the top.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Let the chicken cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and give the dish a gentle stir. This will help the flavors meld together even more. Serve the Chicken Provencal over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 4-6 hours | 4 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes |
Ingredients for Chicken Provencal
When making Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients will give your Chicken Provencal the classic flavors of Provence, a region in southeastern France known for its aromatic herbs and fresh ingredients.
Remember to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to give the dish even more depth and flavor.
Steps to Make Chicken Provencal in Slow Cooker
Chicken Provencal is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for slow cooking. By using a slow cooker, you can let the flavors blend together and create a tender, juicy chicken that is bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Here are the steps to make Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker:
1. Gather the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
2. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down, and cook until the skin is crispy and browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white wine, tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
5. Add the Chicken
Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the tomato mixture in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to spoon some of the tomato mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
6. Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and garnish with fresh basil. Serve the Chicken Provencal with the tomato mixture spooned over the top. It pairs well with crusty bread or cooked pasta.
Now that you know the steps, it’s time to fire up your slow cooker and start making this delicious Chicken Provencal dish!
Tips for Cooking Chicken Provencal
Cooking chicken Provencal in a slow cooker can be a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic French dish. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your slow cooker chicken Provencal:
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Sear the chicken pieces before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Use fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley to infuse the dish with aromatic flavors.
- Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the slow cooker to enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Incorporate a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, to add color and nutrients to the dish.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, along with any other desired spices or herbs.
- Cook the chicken on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Serve the chicken Provencal with crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying chicken Provencal in your slow cooker. Enjoy!
Serving Chicken Provencal
Chicken Provencal is a delicious and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions for serving this slow cooker chicken:
1. Pasta: Serve the Chicken Provencal over a bed of cooked pasta, such as linguine or penne. The sauce from the slow cooker will nicely coat the pasta, making for a satisfying and comforting meal.
2. Rice: Another option is to serve the Chicken Provencal with steamed or cooked rice. The rice will help absorb some of the flavorful sauce, adding extra texture and taste to the dish.
3. Crusty Bread: If you prefer a lighter meal, consider serving the Chicken Provencal with some crusty bread on the side. You can use the bread to soak up the delicious sauce and enjoy the tender chicken.
4. Green Salad: Balance the richness of the Chicken Provencal by serving it with a fresh green salad. The salad can consist of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette dressing.
Whether you choose pasta, rice, bread, or a salad, Chicken Provencal is sure to be a crowd-pleasing dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
Questions and answers
How long does it take to cook Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker?
It takes about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat to cook Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker.
What are the ingredients needed to make Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker?
The ingredients needed to make Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker are chicken thighs, onions, garlic, tomatoes, olives, capers, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Can I cook Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker overnight?
It is not recommended to cook Chicken Provencal in a slow cooker overnight as the chicken may become overcooked and dry. It is best to cook it for 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat.
