Rustic French Slow Cooker Chicken Stew
Indulge in a warm and hearty French-inspired stew that brings together tender chicken breasts, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This easy recipe allows the slow cooker to work its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful meal. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or crusty bread. Enjoy the comforting essence of country French cooking with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 medium (chopped)
carrots
4 (sliced)
celery
4 ribs (sliced)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6-8 (about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs)
dried tarragon
1 teaspoon
dried thyme
1 teaspoon
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can
dry onion soup mix
1 (1 ounce) envelope
white wine or apple juice
1/3 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by placing chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery in the base of the slow cooker, creating a vibrant bed of vegetables.
2
Carefully arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts over the vegetables, ensuring even distribution.
3
Sprinkle the chicken with dried tarragon, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavors.
4
Pour the condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they are well-coated.
5
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
6
Finally, pour the white wine (or apple juice) around the edges of the slow cooker to infuse the dish with moisture and taste.
7
Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, stirring gently once during the cooking process to meld the flavors.
8
Once cooked, serve this delightful stew over fluffy rice or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
12g
Carbs
35g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic French Slow Cooker Chicken Stew?
It is a hearty, French-inspired meal featuring tender chicken breasts, vibrant vegetables like carrots and celery, and aromatic herbs like tarragon and thyme, all slow-cooked to perfection.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which equals about 1.5 to 2 pounds.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
Cook the stew on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours.
What vegetables are included in this stew?
This recipe includes one medium chopped onion, four sliced carrots, and four sliced celery ribs.
Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, if you prefer not to use white wine, you can use 1/3 cup of apple juice instead.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with one teaspoon each of dried tarragon and dried thyme, along with salt and black pepper to taste.
What is used to create the sauce base?
The sauce is created using one 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup and one 1-ounce envelope of dry onion soup mix.
How should I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker?
Start by placing the vegetables at the bottom, then the chicken, then the herbs and spices, followed by the condensed soup and dry soup mix, and finally pour the liquid around the edges.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir the stew gently once during the cooking process to help meld the flavors.
What are the best side dishes for this stew?
This stew pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 35g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this chicken stew?
There is approximately 10g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains about 12g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the hearty nature of this stew makes it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
It is recommended to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and food safety in the slow cooker.
Can I add more vegetables to this stew?
Yes, you can easily add vegetables like potatoes or peas, though you may need to adjust the liquid or seasoning slightly.
What gives the stew its French flavor profile?
The combination of tarragon, thyme, and white wine provides the classic aromatic essence of country French cooking.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish meal as the chicken and vegetables cook together in the slow cooker.
Can I cook this on a low setting?
While the recipe specifies 3-4 hours on HIGH, you can typically cook similar stews on LOW for 6-8 hours.
Does this recipe require a lot of prep work?
No, it requires minimal effort, mostly involving chopping the vegetables before placing everything in the slow cooker.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including seasonings and liquids.
What size of onion should I use?
A medium-sized onion is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though the nutritional values (fat and protein) will change.
What is the purpose of the dry onion soup mix?
The dry onion soup mix adds an extra concentrated layer of savory flavor to the stew.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, but use a larger quantity (usually three times the amount) as fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
Should the chicken be cut into pieces first?
The instructions suggest arranging whole breasts over the vegetables; they can be shredded or cut after cooking if desired.
Is this stew thick or thin?
The condensed cream of chicken soup creates a rich, creamy, and thick sauce compared to broth-based stews.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes, you can substitute it with apple juice or even chicken broth if you prefer a less fruity flavor.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, its warm, hearty ingredients and rich sauce make it a classic comfort food dish.