Ah, the comfort of a slow cooker! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, whispering promises of a hearty meal. This chicken casserole is my go-to when life’s a whirlwind—set it and forget it, and the house fills with an aroma that competes with the best of fall’s pumpkin-spice lattes.
Steps
- Start by frying the bacon lardons in a small pan or directly in your slow cooker if it’s suitable for hob use, ensuring they become crispy and golden.
- While the bacon is cooking, coat the chicken thighs evenly with plain flour in a large bowl.
- Once the bacon is done, place the onions, celery, carrots, and bacon into the slow cooker, leaving the bacon in the pan if cooked there.
- Lay the flour-coated chicken on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Combine the stock, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper, then pour this mixture around the sides of the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook the casserole on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for at least 6 hours.
- Before serving, stir in the crème fraîche and chopped parsley, then adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Ingredients
- 1 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 50 g plain flour
- 2 large onions, peeled and chopped
- 3 sticks of celery, trimmed and chopped into small pieces
- 500 g carrots (use baby carrots whole or regular carrots peeled and chopped into large chunks)
- 200 g smoked bacon lardons
- 300 ml chicken stock
- 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tbsp creme fraiche
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 854kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 244mg | Sodium: 814mg | Potassium: 1202mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 21229IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but keep in mind that thighs tend to be more tender and will shred better after cooking.
- Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
- No, browning the chicken is not necessary for this recipe, which makes preparation quicker and simpler.
- What can I use instead of bacon lardons if I want to skip them?
- Bacon lardons are optional, but they add a lot of flavor. If you prefer not to use them or skip the step of frying, simply omit them or use smoked bacon cut into chunks.
- How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
- If the sauce is too thin, mix some cornflour with a small amount of liquid from the dish to form a paste, then stir it back into the casserole to thicken it.
- How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips
- Pre-fry Bacon for Added Flavor: While optional, frying bacon lardons before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the dish with a rich, smoky taste. If you prefer an easier prep, you can skip this step, but the crispy texture and extra flavor are worth the effort.
- Use Chicken Thighs for Tenderness: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they remain tender and shred easily after slow cooking. Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute, but they may not achieve the same level of tenderness.
- Thicken the Sauce with a Slurry: If your casserole turns out too runny, create a slurry by mixing cornflour with a small amount of liquid from the dish. Stir this paste back into the casserole to thicken the sauce without forming lumps.
- Enhance Flavor with Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your dried thyme is fresh, as herbs lose their potency over time. Using fresh thyme or increasing the amount of dried thyme can help achieve a more robust flavor.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – Essential for cooking the chicken casserole.
- Frying Pan – If you don’t have a slow cooker with a hob-safe insert, a frying pan will be needed to crisp up the bacon.
- Freezer-safe Containers – Useful for storing leftovers if you plan to freeze portions of the casserole.
