The "Queen of the Slow Cooker" chicken recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that lets the slow cooker do most of the work, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken with a rich and savory sauce. This recipe combines a variety of vegetables and herbs, creating a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or whenever you crave a hearty, home-cooked dish. The addition of heavy cream and sherry (optional) brings a luxurious depth to the sauce, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup dry sherry (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated. This step will help thicken the sauce later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the flour-coated chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, chopped red bell pepper, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour 1 ½ cups of chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of dried thyme over the mixture.
Step 4: Cook the Dish
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
Step 5: Add Final Ingredients
About 30 minutes before serving, add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, ½ cup of heavy cream, and ¼ cup of dry sherry (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir well and continue to cook for the remaining time.
Step 6: Serve
Once the cooking time is complete, give the dish a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Cooking Note:
- Avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker frequently, as this can extend the cooking time by releasing heat.
Serving Suggestions:
This slow cooker chicken dish can be served over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Chicken Preparation: Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Sherry Substitute: If you don't want to use sherry, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of white wine.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours and 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours and 15 minutes (high)
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 per serving (varies based on the serving size and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 25-30g per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on the chicken broth and added salt
Conclusion
The "Queen of the Slow Cooker" chicken is a fabulous recipe for anyone looking for a comforting, flavorful, and effortless meal. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the ingredients to cook to perfection with minimal intervention. This dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation, offering a satisfying and delicious way to end a busy day.
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