Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that basically cooks itself, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the chicken gets after hours in the slow cooker, soaking up that beautifully tangy mustard and aromatic wine sauce. It’s one of those dishes I reach for when I want something effortlessly elegant yet homey enough for a weeknight dinner.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the flavors deepen over time, making the sauce rich and creamy without any fuss. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner, this Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe really hits the spot. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that classic French flavor combo you’ll want again and again. Each one plays an important role in building the depth and creaminess of the sauce—plus, some fresh herbs to keep it bright.

• Dry white wine: I recommend Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a light, crisp flavor that won’t overpower the dish.
• Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Heavy cream makes it luxuriously creamy, but coconut milk adds a subtle twist if you want dairy-free.
• Dijon mustard: Both smooth and grainy varieties add layers of tang and texture you’ll appreciate.
• Shallots: These soften and sweeten beautifully during the slow cook, adding gentle oniony sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced or grated, it gives a warm spice note without taking over.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout the process.
• Boneless chicken breasts: Skin-on adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy—skinless works fine too if you prefer.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken and building flavor at the start.
• Fresh thyme leaves: I love thyme here because it’s earthy and pairs perfectly with wine sauces.
• Fresh sage: Adds a subtle woodsy depth that takes the dish to the next level.
• Salted butter: Added during cooking for richness and to marry the sauce ingredients.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end to melt into the sauce, bringing umami and creaminess.
• Kale: Adds a pop of color and nutrition; it wilts beautifully into the sauce at the end.
• Mashed potatoes or steamed rice: Perfect for soaking up the creamy mustard sauce when serving.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Don’t be afraid to get creative, tailoring flavors and ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs.

• Dairy-Free: I swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk—they’re so close in creaminess, and it adds a nice subtle coconut undertone.
• Greens Swap: I’ve used spinach or chard instead of kale with great results, whichever leafy green you prefer.
• Chicken Thighs: For more juiciness and flavor, sometimes I substitute boneless skin-on chicken thighs; they hold up wonderfully in the slow cooker.
• Herb Twist: Adding rosemary or tarragon changes the vibe—try it if you want a little variation in your garden-fresh profiles.

How to Make Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Start by combining the wine, your choice of heavy cream or coconut milk, both types of dijon mustard, chopped shallots, minced garlic, and a pinch each of kosher salt and pepper right in the slow cooker. This is where the magic begins—the wine and mustards create a beautifully layered sauce that tenderizes the chicken as it cooks.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Rub your chicken breasts all over with fresh thyme, sage, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to sear mine in olive oil over medium-high heat until they’re golden brown—about 3 minutes per side. This step adds a lovely caramelized flavor and locks in the juices before the slow cooking process. Don’t skip it! After searing, transfer the chicken (skin side up) to the slow cooker along with any pan juices, then add the butter for extra richness.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will slowly become tender and soak up those gorgeous flavors. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped kale, allowing the cheese to melt and the greens to soften without losing their texture.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice. Spoon plenty of that luscious mustard sauce on top, and garnish with extra fresh herbs or parmesan if you like. The sauce is the star here, so don’t be shy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping this chicken with extra fresh thyme or sage leaves for a pop of color and an herbal punch. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan right before serving never fails to impress, too—plus it complements the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of sauce—trust me, you won’t want to waste a single bite. Lightly steamed rice also works wonderfully if you prefer something simpler or want to keep it gluten-free.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like serving this in rustic white bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. It turns the dish into something that feels both homey and a bit luxe—perfect for dinner guests or date night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the dish cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes nicely if you want to save some for another time. Just portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing before adding the kale and parmesan for best texture on reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid breaking down the sauce. If it’s too thick, a splash of chicken broth or wine helps loosen it back up. Fresh kale and parmesan can be stirred in at this point for a fresh finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker French Wine and Mustard Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special without behaving like a high-maintenance meal. I love how it fills the kitchen with a cozy aroma while letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for busy days, relaxed weekends, or anytime you want a little French-inspired comfort food that your whole family will adore. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite slow cooker recipe!

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