This French wine and mustard chicken recipe is a delightful way to warm up your family during busy weeknights. The chicken becomes wonderfully tender as it simmers in a rich, creamy sauce. With just a few everyday ingredients, this dish is simple to prepare and perfect for cozy family dinners.
Why You Will Love This French Wine and Mustard Chicken
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make, needing minimal hands-on time. The flavors are both comforting and sophisticated, striking the right balance for everyone at the table. Perfect for busy evenings, it allows you to set it and forget it while you tend to other things.
How to Make French Wine and Mustard Chicken
Making this dish is straightforward. You’ll combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work. There’s no need for complicated techniques, making it ideal for beginner cooks. Just prepare your ingredients, toss them in, and let your slow cooker transform them into a flavorful meal.
What You Need
- 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on for extra flavor)
- 1 cup dry white wine (Chardonnay works beautifully!)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step
- Begin by placing the chicken thighs in your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix the white wine and Dijon mustard until fully combined.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Pour the wine mixture on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chicken is tender, serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Enjoy!
How to Serve French Wine and Mustard Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a light salad. The sauce is rich and perfect for spooning over rice or crusty bread. Ideal for Sunday family dinners or a simple weeknight meal, it’s sure to bring everyone to the table.
How to Store French Wine and Mustard Chicken
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together. Just be sure to label your container. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove for best results.
Recipe Tips
- Use skin-on chicken for added richness.
- Don’t skip the Dijon mustard; it adds essential flavor.
- Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer.
- Double the recipe for a larger family or to have leftovers.
- Adjust the herbs to your taste; fresh herbs can also be used for vibrant flavor.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap out the chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free broth and ensure your mustard is gluten-free.
- Try adding mushrooms or carrots for added vegetables and flavor in the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge, then just toss them into the slow cooker in the morning. It’s perfect for busy days, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this chicken once it cools down. Place it in a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it gently.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce smooth and moist. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through.
Can I substitute the wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works well instead. You can add a little vinegar or lemon juice for a touch of acidity. Just keep in mind, the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What should I serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread are great for soaking up the sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can add a fresh touch to your meal too.
French Wine and Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce Ingredients
- 4 pieces bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on for extra flavor) Use skin-on chicken for added richness.
- 1 cup dry white wine Chardonnay works beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Don’t skip it; it adds essential flavor.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth Use gluten-free broth for a gluten-free version.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme Adjust the herbs to your taste; fresh herbs can also be used.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish Sprinkle on top before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken thighs in your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix the white wine and Dijon mustard until fully combined.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Pour the wine mixture on top of the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chicken is tender, serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
