Frequently Asked Questions
What is Provencal Chicken and Mushroom Stew?
It is a French-inspired slow cooker dish featuring chicken thighs, mushrooms, and a variety of vegetables simmered with Herbes de Provence and wine.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended cooking time on low heat?
The stew should be cooked on the low heat setting for 6 to 7 hours.
What is the recommended cooking time on high heat?
The stew should be cooked on the high heat setting for 3 to 4 hours.
What size slow cooker is needed for this recipe?
A 5 to 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
Can I freeze this Provencal Chicken Stew?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for batch cooking and freezing.
What cut of chicken is best for this stew?
The recipe calls for 8 pieces of boneless skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1 3/4 to 2 lbs).
What can I substitute for dry white wine?
You can substitute the 1/2 cup of dry white wine with an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
Why is quick-cooking tapioca included in the recipe?
Tapioca is used as a thickening agent for the stew broth.
When should the pasta sauce be added?
The pasta sauce (or Alfredo sauce) should be stirred in about 10 minutes before serving.
What are the primary herbs used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with Herbes de Provence and crushed dried thyme.
Can I use Italian seasoning if I don't have Herbes de Provence?
Yes, Italian seasoning is a suitable crushed alternative if Herbes de Provence is unavailable.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of sliced button mushrooms.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
No, you should use the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes undrained.
What type of potatoes are used in this stew?
One medium red potato, cut into 1-inch pieces, is used in this recipe.
Are there olives in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of pitted ripe black olives, cut in half, are included.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 350 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 11 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the stew?
One serving provides 3 grams of fiber.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
No, there is only 1.25 grams of sugar per serving.
How should the carrots be prepared?
Two medium carrots should be thinly and diagonally sliced.
What type of green beans should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the chicken thighs are placed directly on top of the vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is best served hot with a side of crusty French bread for soaking up the broth.
What type of sauce can be used as an alternative to pasta sauce?
You can use a 16-ounce jar of Alfredo sauce instead of pasta sauce for a creamier variation.
What kind of broth is recommended?
Reduced-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content.
How is the chicken seasoned?
The chicken is sprinkled with 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt before cooking.
Is fresh black pepper used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper is added to the mixture.