Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your taste buds with minimal effort, this Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients—like white wine, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs—into a rich, comforting meal that practically cooks itself all day. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just craving a cozy dinner, you’ll find that this slow cooker favorite makes your life so much easier without sacrificing flavor.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get that classic French flavor, you’ll want quality white wine and Dijon mustards that bring both tang and depth. Fresh herbs make all the difference too, and I’ll share which ones pack the most punch in this dish.

• Dry white wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc work best, adding bright acidity that tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
• Heavy cream or canned full fat coconut milk: For richness in the sauce; I like heavy cream for that silky texture.
• Dijon mustard (regular and grainy): The combo gives the sauce a nice bite and a bit of texture.
• Shallots: They bring gentle sweetness and aroma that garlic alone can’t provide.
• Garlic: Minced or grated—fresh is key for that punch of flavor.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Simple but essential seasonings.
• Boneless chicken breasts: Skin on or off, your call—skin adds flavor, but off keeps it leaner.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For browning the chicken and building flavor.
• Fresh thyme leaves: A fragrant herb that’s classic in French cooking.
• Fresh chopped sage: Earthy and aromatic, enhances the savory notes.
• Salted butter: Adds creaminess and helps develop the sauce’s richness.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Gives the dish a nutty, umami boost.
• Fresh kale: Adds color, texture, and nutrients.
• Mashed potatoes or steamed rice: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or what my family fancies that day. The slow cooker is so forgiving that you can easily swap things out and still end up with something delicious.

• White wine substitute: Once I tried this with dry vermouth and was pleasantly surprised at the slightly herbal undertone it added.
• Make it dairy-free: Using coconut milk instead of cream makes a creamy, dairy-free version that’s great for friends with allergies.
• Protein alternatives: I sometimes swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat, just adjust cooking time slightly.
• Veggie additions: You can throw in mushrooms or baby carrots for extra veggies and flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper. Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides until golden (about 3 minutes per side). I learned early on that this step adds a delicious depth to the finished dish, so don’t skip it—even though it’s a slow cooker recipe!

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add chopped shallots and sauté until translucent—about 2 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, whisk in both types of Dijon mustard and the heavy cream until everything is smooth and combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable.

Step 3: Slow Cooker Assembly

Place the browned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the wine and mustard sauce over them. Add fresh thyme leaves, chopped sage, and salted butter on top. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours. The chicken will soak up all those flavors and become wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Finish With Greens and Parmesan

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped kale and sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top. Replace the lid and let kale wilt gently in the heat. This keeps it bright and adds a bit of texture contrast.

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping this dish with a little extra fresh thyme leaves and a gentle dusting of parmesan for an elegant touch. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the mustard sauce.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my go-to because they soak up that luscious sauce perfectly. But if you’re feeling like keeping it lighter, steamed white rice or even some creamy polenta work wonders here too.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh thyme and a swirl of sauce artfully drizzled. It’s simple but makes each plate look thoughtfully put together and a little fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the dish cool to room temperature, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. After cooling, I portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce maintains its creaminess, and the chicken stays tender.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. You can add a splash of cream or water if it seems too thick. Microwaving works too, but I prefer stovetop for better texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, delicious, and so comforting. I remember the first time I made this for friends—they couldn’t believe such bold flavors came from a slow cooker! I can’t recommend it enough if you want a recipe that feels fancy but requires minimal fuss. So go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dinner favorite.

Print