Savory Slow Cooker Herb-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

Crafting a delightful slow cooker herb-braised chicken with mushrooms promises a comforting journey through rich, aromatic flavors.

Tender meat melts against earthy mushroom companions, creating a symphony of rustic elegance.

Herbs whisper their magic into every succulent bite, infusing the dish with Mediterranean charm.

Kitchen adventures can feel effortless when your trusty slow cooker does the heavy lifting.

Minimal preparation translates into maximum satisfaction for busy home cooks seeking nourishing meals.

Fragrant rosemary and thyme dance alongside succulent chicken, promising a meal that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Savor this recipe and let your kitchen become a sanctuary of delicious simplicity.

What Makes Slow Cooker Herb-Braised Chicken Great

• Simplify Cooking Process: Slow cooker transforms complex braising techniques into an easy, hands-off method that lets you walk away while delicious flavors develop.
• Layer Rich Flavors: Bacon, mushrooms, and herbs create a deeply satisfying meal with complex taste profiles that feel like restaurant-quality cooking at home.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Tender chicken thighs and hearty sauce make this a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both adults and kids, perfect for weekend family dinners.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: Strategic steps like browning chicken and mushrooms before slow cooking ensure maximum flavor with minimal active cooking time.

Ingredients For Herb-Braised Slow Cooker Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender cuts with skin that provide rich flavor and become very succulent during slow cooking.

• Bacon Pieces: Crispy meat that adds a smoky and salty flavor to the dish.

• Pearl Onions, Mushrooms: Small onions that contribute a sweet mild taste and mushrooms that provide an earthy depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that intensifies the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and herbal notes to the chicken dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that helps create a rich and flavorful sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated ingredient that adds depth and slight tanginess to the sauce.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and rich sauce consistency.

• Vegetable Oil, Bacon Fat: Fats used for browning chicken and cooking vegetables, adding extra flavor.

How To Cook Herb-Braised Chicken In Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Select chicken thighs and dry them completely with paper towels.

Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for deep flavor enhancement.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Skin

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin turns golden and crispy, about 7-10 minutes.

Transfer chicken to slow cooker with skin facing upward.

Add frozen pearl onions alongside the chicken.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon Bits

Cook bacon pieces in the same skillet until they become perfectly crispy.

Remove bacon using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Reserve approximately 1/4 cup of bacon and chicken fat in the skillet.

Step 4: Sauté Mushrooms

Add quartered mushrooms to the skillet with remaining fat.

Cook until mushrooms develop a rich, golden-brown color, roughly 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Create Flavorful Sauce Base

• Flour
• Tomato paste
• Minced garlic
• Dried thyme

Stir and cook for about a minute to blend flavors thoroughly.

Gradually pour chicken broth while stirring continuously, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Slow Cook Chicken

Pour the broth and mushroom sauce over chicken and onions in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer chicken to a serving plate.

Spoon the rich, savory sauce over the chicken.

Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces and freshly chopped parsley on top for a delightful finish.

Tips To Perfect Slow Cooker Herb-Braised Chicken

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin and better flavor absorption.
• Sear chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet to develop rich, caramelized flavors that enhance the overall dish's taste.
• Reserve just enough bacon fat for sautéing mushrooms, preventing the dish from becoming too greasy while maintaining robust flavor.
• Add thyme and garlic towards the end of mushroom cooking to release maximum aromatic compounds without burning.
• Choose high or low setting based on your schedule, knowing longer, slower cooking will tenderize chicken and meld flavors beautifully.

Flavor Twists For Herb-Braised Chicken

• Vegetarian Herb-Braised Jackfruit: Replace chicken thighs with young jackfruit, using vegetable broth and omitting bacon for a plant-based alternative that maintains the rich, herbal flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base Option: Substitute pearl onions and flour with cauliflower florets and almond flour, creating a keto-friendly version that keeps the mushroom sauce's robust taste.
• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken Adaptation: Use cornstarch instead of flour, ensuring the sauce remains thick while making the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Variation: Replace thyme with oregano and add kalamata olives, introducing a Greek-inspired twist to the classic slow cooker recipe.

Pairing Ideas For Herb-Braised Chicken

• Rustic Dinner Centerpiece: Create a stunning main course by placing golden-brown chicken thighs on a large wooden serving board surrounded by fresh herbs and roasted vegetables.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the rich, flavorful mushroom sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Elegant Wine Pairing: Match this herb-braised chicken with a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay to complement the deep, savory flavors of bacon and mushrooms.
• Weekend Family Feast: Perfect for Sunday dinners, this dish brings everyone together with its warm, comforting aromas and tender, falling-apart chicken that everyone will love.

Proper Storage For Herb-Braised Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and sauce together. Refrigerated chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature to ensure thorough warming.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken thighs are recommended for their richer flavor and tenderness, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.

• Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor and helps create a beautiful golden-brown skin. While not mandatory, this step significantly enhances the overall taste and appearance of the dish.

• Can I make this recipe without bacon?

If you want to omit bacon, you can replace the bacon fat with olive oil or butter. The dish will still be delicious, though it will lose some of the smoky flavor that bacon provides.

Slow Cooker Herb-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker herb-braised chicken with mushrooms delivers a comforting melody of aromatic herbs and tender meat. Fragrant rosemary and thyme infuse each bite, promising a delightful culinary journey you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 8 bone-in (skin-on) chicken thighs
• 4 slices bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup frozen pearl onions
• 10 ounces mushrooms (quartered)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or low-sodium vegetable broth)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry chicken thighs with paper towels, seasoning both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy, approximately 7-10 minutes.
3. Transfer browned chicken to slow cooker with skin facing upward and scatter frozen pearl onions around the meat.
4. Render bacon pieces in the same skillet until crisp, removing them with a slotted spoon while reserving approximately 1/4 cup of rendered fat.
5. Sauté quartered mushrooms in the reserved bacon fat until richly caramelized and brown, roughly 5-7 minutes.
6. Incorporate flour, tomato paste, minced garlic, and thyme into the mushrooms, stirring to develop deep flavors for about one minute.
7. Gradually stream chicken broth into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, integrated sauce.
8. Pour the mushroom-infused broth over chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring even coverage.
9. Cook on high temperature for 4-6 hours or low temperature for 6-8 hours until chicken becomes supremely tender and fully cooked.
10. Plate the chicken, generously ladle sauce over the meat, then garnish with crispy bacon crumbles and fresh parsley.

Notes

• Ensure chicken skin is completely dry before browning to achieve a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds incredible flavor.
• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and a rich, smoky base that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning mushrooms to guarantee proper caramelization and prevent steaming, which can make them soggy.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely to your taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg