Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that practically makes itself, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love this because it’s rich with the tangy depth of Dijon mustard and the subtle elegance of white wine, all melding together while the chicken slowly cooks to tender perfection. It’s one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell amazing and makes dinner feel a little more special without any stressful hands-on time.

This recipe works beautifully for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want great food with minimal effort. You’ll find that the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, turning simple ingredients into a saucy, cozy meal that’s perfect served over mashed potatoes or steamed rice. When I first tried this, I was surprised how the combination of mustard, wine, and fresh herbs transformed basic chicken into a luscious French-inspired dish — and my family goes crazy for it every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe work harmoniously to build flavor without fuss. Choosing a good quality white wine and fresh herbs really makes a difference, and the two types of Dijon mustard bring just the right bite and texture to the sauce.

• Dry white wine: I recommend something crisp like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc; avoid cooking wines with salt.
• Heavy cream or canned full fat coconut milk: Cream keeps the sauce luscious and velvety; coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative.
• Dijon mustard (smooth and grainy): Using both adds complexity — the grainy mustard lends a lovely texture.
• Shallots: These give a subtle sweetness that melds perfectly with the mustard.
• Garlic: Fresh is best; even a little grated garlic packs a punch.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
• Boneless chicken breasts: Skin on or off works fine, but I like skin on for richer flavor and moisture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown.
• Fresh thyme leaves: One of my favorite herbs for poultry, it adds a woodsy aroma.
• Fresh sage: Pairs beautifully with thyme and mustard.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for a savory umami boost.
• Chopped kale: A hearty green that softens into the sauce, adding color and nutrients.
• Mashed potatoes or steamed rice: Ideal for soaking up that incredible mustard wine sauce.

Variations

I like to personalize this Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or what my family is craving. Feel free to tweak it to your taste — maybe add a splash of creamier coconut milk or swap kale for spinach if you prefer.

• Use chicken thighs: When I have thighs on hand, I find they’re even more tender and flavorful in this recipe.
• Add mushrooms: Throwing in sliced cremini mushrooms during the last hour adds earthiness and extra texture.
• Make it dairy-free: I swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk and skip the parmesan for a delicious dairy-free version.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a lovely kick if you like a little heat.

How to Make Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

Start by mixing the dry white wine, heavy cream (or coconut milk), both Dijon mustards, chopped shallots, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper right in your slow cooker bowl. This blend of ingredients forms the rich, tangy sauce your chicken will soak up, so take a moment to get the seasoning balanced — it makes all the difference!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Rub the chicken breasts all over with fresh thyme, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. I like to heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then sear the chicken about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step isn’t mandatory, but I’ve learned it really locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Don’t skip it if you have a few extra minutes!

Step 3: Combine and Slow Cook

Transfer the seared chicken (skin side up) into the slow cooker, pouring any juices from the skillet over the top. Nestle in the salted butter and cover. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours — whichever fits your schedule. Near the last half hour, stir in freshly grated parmesan and chopped kale, letting them soften and melt into the sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once tender, serve the chicken over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice, spooning generous amounts of that luscious mustard wine sauce over the top. For an extra touch, sprinkle more fresh herbs or parmesan cheese. You’ll love how every bite bursts with comforting, French-inspired flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I often finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a little extra parmesan cheese. Sometimes a light drizzle of good olive oil adds a lovely silky finish. These simple garnishes really make the plate pop and please the palate.

Side Dishes

This slow cooker chicken is amazing served over creamy mashed potatoes or simply steamed rice that soaks up all the sauce. I also love pairing it with sautéed green beans or roasted root vegetables for a balanced meal packed with flavor and nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated the chicken on a bed of herb-infused buttery polenta instead of potatoes, adding a sprinkle of microgreens for color and freshness. It instantly feels more elevated but still stays true to the cozy vibe of this Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The slow cooker sauce thickens beautifully overnight, making next-day servings even more flavorful. Just be sure to reheat gently to keep the chicken moist.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! I let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave for a delicious, convenient meal.

Reheating

When reheating, warming gently over low heat helps keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy. You can add a splash of wine or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. I usually cover the pan during reheating to preserve moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to dishes for nights when I crave something decadent, yet simple to prepare. I love how the flavors deepen in the slow cooker, and how versatile it is with whatever sides you choose. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become a family favorite in your home, just as it has in mine!

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