This slow cooker chicken cassoulet recipe, is filled with rich bold flavors, and simple ingredients inspired by the French countryside.
Lately my family and I have been talking about going to the south of France for vacation. My brother will be celebrating his 50th birthday, and he’s a huge wine aficionado. There are plenty of places we could go, however, the French countryside is high on the list.
This is sponsored content from Holland House® Cooking Wine. The opinions stated are my own.
I personally have never been there, but have so admired reading about the area in books, and seeing it portrayed in movies. Have you seen “A Perfect Year?” It’s fantastic! I’ve watched it several times.
All this talk of the south of France had me thinking of creating a rich, hearty peasant dish, filled with simple ingredients, like a traditional cassoulet. However, to save time, and to keep it on the healthy side, I made this in a slow cooker, with chicken legs and thighs, instead of duck and sausages. I also used canned beans but you could buy dried beans if you like, and soak them overnight.
I love how easy the slow cooker makes my life, but sometimes it doesn’t have the same depth of flavor that you can get from a Dutch Oven on the stove. However, I do think you can compensate by incorporating herbs, spices, and sauces to the dish. To enhance this cassoulet I added Holland House Red Cooking Wine. It adds a nice bold flavor boost, and is something I normally have on hand in the pantry.
I also added a bundle of fresh herbs from the garden just like I did in my Beef Stew Recipe.
Bonus: This smells wonderful throughout the house all day.
When it’s done you can serve it in large individual bowls with toasted slices of baguette. I can’t wait to visit the French countryside, but for now we’ll enjoy this cassoulet.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cassoulet
Slow Cooker Chicken Cassoulet
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 4 large cloves of garlic slightly smashed
- 3 large carrots sliced in 1-2 inch pieces
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 pkg chicken legs (4-6)
- 1 pkg chicken thighs (4 boneless, skinless)
- 4 large fresh plum tomatoes, diced
- 2 15 oz. cans Great Northern Beans
- 1 cup Holland House Red Cooking Wine
- 1 bunch fresh herbs (parsley & thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
-
In a slow cooker combine, garlic, onion, carrots and celery.
-
Arrange chicken pieces on top of vegetables.
-
Add tomatoes and beans.
-
Pour wine over the top.
-
Add the herb bouquet and cook for 4 hours on high or 7 on low.
-
Add the tomato paste and stir. Recover and cook for 1 hour.
-
Serve with toasted baguette slices.
A big Thank You to Holland House Cooking Wine for sponsoring this post!
Denise Wright says
Oh my that looks so great! I bet you really can smell that cooking all day. I’ll have to try that this weekend for my in laws. I didn’t realize you could buy so many flavors of cooking wine in the grocery store? I’ll have to check that out.
Patti Estep says
Yep, it’s always a nice bonus to have the house smelling good!
Susan M says
I was looking for some recipes to make with my slow cooker for a more special meal on Sunday. This one looks delicious and so flavorful! I’ll have to try the Holland House Cooking Wine – I also like a boost of flavor, especially when cooking with my slow cooker.
Patti Estep says
Hi Susan,
The Holland House Cooking Wine really did add a nice flavor and I hate opening a bottle of wine unless it’s a special occasion or we’re having a party we don’t drink it, so this is a great way to get the flavor and have one hand.
Mary says
This is such a yummy and healthy meal Patti. I am happy to see the addition of the wine in the dish. I am always amazed by the aroma that permeates the kitchen.
Patti Estep says
Hi Mary,
You are so right about the smell. Just wonderful!
Carole says
Patti this looks amazing, we woke up to 50 degrees this morning, that cold considering yesterday we were in the 70’s. Which also means something like this sounds simply fantastic. I think I may need to go and get me a small slow cooker for the RV… Would make like easier and then I could try this tasty dish. Thanks for sharing!
Patti Estep says
Hi Carole,
A slow cooker meal works for everyone, right? And it will be such a help by having dinner all ready at the end of a busy hard day. I hope you love this recipe.
Pam says
I had no idea what a cassoulet was before I read this, just thought it looked AMAZING. And now that’s all I’m thinking about! Need to get one cooking for dinner.
Patti Estep says
Hi Pam,
You know the French. Always extra fancy. I’m glad you like it.
Janet - shabbyfufu says
This looks like the kind of meal that I love Patti and will definitely be putting on my list for when the weather turns cooler!
Patti Estep says
Thanks Janet. It’s a great cold weather dish and pretty good left over.
Deborah Regen says
I could practically smell this cassoulet from your photos! Nice job. Cooking with wine is fun when you have the right type of recipes.
Patti Estep says
Thanks Deborah. This one turned out great and it even tasted good leftover.
lynn spencer says
Ooooh Patti, I love a cassoulet…especially on a cool fall day. Thanks for a fantastic recipe!
Patti Estep says
Hi Lynn,
I’m so glad you like this recipe and I hope you have a chance to try it soon