Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Chicken in White Wine?
It is a slow-cooked twist on the classic French Coq Au Vin, featuring chicken, mushrooms, and pearl onions in a savory white wine sauce.
What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, each cut in half.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will remain very tender during the slow cooking process.
What type of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay that you enjoy drinking is recommended.
Can I make this dish without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth and a tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
How long does it take to cook?
The dish should be cooked on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
Can I cook this on the HIGH setting?
While LOW is best for texture, you can cook it on HIGH for approximately 3 hours.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe uses 1.25 lbs of baby portabella mushrooms sliced thick for a robust flavor.
Do the pearl onions need to be thawed first?
No, you can add the 12 ounces of white pearl onions directly to the slow cooker while frozen.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce is thickened by whisking 1/3 cup of flour into 1 cup of chicken broth and adding it to the pot.
What should I serve with this chicken?
It is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the white wine sauce.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
Yes, use 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves in place of the 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or substitute with cornstarch.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 tablespoons of melted butter with olive oil if preferred.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, once cooled, you can freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, browning is not necessary for this recipe; the chicken cooks perfectly directly in the sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to the pot?
Carrots, celery, or peas would be excellent additions to this hearty stew.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped.
What if I do not have a slow cooker?
You can cook this in a covered Dutch oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 2 to 2.5 hours.
How do I prevent the flour from clumping?
Whisk the flour thoroughly into the chicken broth in a separate bowl before pouring it over the other ingredients.
Is this a traditional Coq Au Vin?
It is a 'Coq au Vin Blanc' variation, which uses white wine instead of the traditional red wine.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for these ingredients.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to be filled no more than two-thirds full.
Is there a way to reduce the sodium?
Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the added salt to 1/2 teaspoon.
Can I use red wine instead?
Yes, using red wine will create a richer, more traditional flavor profile.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is tender enough to pull apart easily and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Should I eat the bay leaf?
No, the bay leaf is used for flavor infusion and should be removed and discarded before serving.