Looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner that practically makes itself? This Slow Cooker French Mustard Chicken is the answer! Tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs are simmered in a rich and tangy French mustard sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe delivers a taste of French-inspired cuisine with minimal effort. The combination of Dijon mustard, sweet apricot preserves, and aromatic herbs creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delightful aromas filling your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) bone-in chicken thighs, skin on: The star of the show! Bone-in, skin-on thighs are ideal for slow cooking as the bone adds flavor and the skin renders down, creating a rich and succulent result. Using thighs ensures the chicken stays moist and tender throughout the long cooking process.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard: This provides the classic French mustard flavor base. Choose a good quality Dijon for the best, most complex taste. The sharpness of the Dijon is balanced by the other ingredients.
- 200 ml (¾ cup) non-alcoholic white wine alternative (white grape juice + 1 tbsp white wine vinegar): We’re using a non-alcoholic alternative to white wine to maintain the acidity needed for a flavorful sauce, without the alcohol. Combining white grape juice with a splash of white wine vinegar mimics the tang of white wine beautifully.
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) low-sodium vegetable broth: This provides the liquid base for the sauce, keeping the chicken moist and allowing the flavors to meld. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- 1 large shallot, finely minced (~50 g / 1.75 oz): Shallots offer a milder, more delicate onion flavor than yellow onions, adding a subtle aromatic base to the sauce. Finely mincing ensures they melt into the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is essential for adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Minced garlic releases its aroma and flavor quickly during sautéing.
- 1 tsp (5 ml) honey: A touch of honey balances the sharpness of the mustard and adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried thyme: Thyme is a classic herb that complements chicken and mustard beautifully. Dried thyme provides a concentrated flavor.
- 1 bay leaf: Bay leaves add a subtle, savory depth to the sauce. Remember to remove it before serving!
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, olive oil adds flavor and helps to create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apricot preserves: This adds a unique touch of sweetness and fruitiness that complements the mustard and thyme.
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped: Used as a garnish, parsley adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- Zest of ½ lemon: Lemon zest brightens the flavors and adds a fresh, citrusy aroma.
Substitutions
Don’t have an ingredient on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions:
- Chicken Thighs: While thighs are recommended for their tenderness, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Be mindful that breasts can dry out more easily, so reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Shallot: If you don’t have a shallot, you can substitute with ½ a small yellow onion, finely minced.
- Apricot Preserves: Peach or orange preserves can be used as a substitute, offering a similar fruity sweetness.
- Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth can be used instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
Slow Cooker French Mustard Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s the foundation of the flavor!
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet needs to be hot enough to create a good sear, but not so hot that it burns the oil. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step develops a rich, savory flavor. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the browned chicken thighs to the insert of your slow cooker. Arranging them in a single layer helps ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the minced shallot and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these are packed with flavor!
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, honey, apricot preserves, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to combine the flavors. The apricot preserves add a subtle sweetness and complexity that complements the mustard beautifully.
- Deglaze and Combine: Pour in the non-alcoholic white wine alternative (white grape juice + white wine vinegar) and the low-sodium vegetable broth. Whisk to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to ensure all the flavorful browned bits are incorporated into the sauce. Remove from heat.
- Slow Cook: Carefully ladle the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is partially submerged. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and the thighs are incredibly tender.
- Reduce the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and keep warm. Discard the bay leaf. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate and Garnish: Arrange two thighs on a shallow plate, skin side up. Spoon the reduced mustard sauce around the chicken, creating a glossy pool. Drizzle a thin line of sauce diagonally across the plate for visual appeal. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest. A lemon wedge adds a final touch of brightness.
Why Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs are Best
Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is key to this recipe’s success. The bone adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during the long slow cooking process. The skin renders its fat, basting the chicken from the inside and resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. While boneless, skinless thighs can be used, the final result won’t be quite as rich or succulent.
The Magic of French Mustard
French mustard, specifically Dijon mustard, isn’t just about heat; it’s about complexity. Its subtle tang and nuanced flavor profile pair beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and apricot preserves, creating a balanced and sophisticated sauce. The mustard also helps to tenderize the chicken during the slow cooking process.
Non-Alcoholic Wine Substitute: A Flavorful Choice
We’ve opted for a non-alcoholic wine substitute using white grape juice and a touch of white wine vinegar. This provides the necessary acidity to balance the richness of the sauce without the alcohol content. The vinegar mimics the brightness of wine, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken broth, but the wine alternative adds a more complex dimension.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This Slow Cooker French Mustard Chicken is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like Brussels sprouts or carrots), or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it with egg noodles or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. A crisp, dry white wine (if you consume alcohol) or a sparkling cider would complement the flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While you can, chicken breasts tend to dry out during slow cooking. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time and be sure to check the internal temperature frequently.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken can be cooked a day ahead and reheated gently. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored separately.
Is it possible to thicken the sauce further?
Yes, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Enjoy this cozy and flavorful Slow Cooker French Mustard Chicken! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later – it’s a dinner you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Slow Cooker French Mustard Chicken – Cozy Dinner
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This Slow Cooker French Mustard Chicken delivers tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs in a rich and tangy mustard sauce. It’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard
- 200 ml (¾ cup) white wine alternative (grape juice + vinegar)
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 large shallot, minced (~50 g / 1.75 oz)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp (5 ml) honey
- 1 tsp (5 g) dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apricot preserves
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil until golden brown.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place seared chicken in slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant.
- Build Sauce: Combine mustard, honey, preserves, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Deglaze & Combine: Add wine alternative and broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours.
- Reduce Sauce: Simmer sauce until thickened.
- Plate & Garnish: Serve with sauce, parsley, and lemon zest.
Notes
For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Adjust seasoning to taste. Consider serving with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Poultry
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 200g
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, mustard, french, thighs, easy, dinner, comfort food
