Easy and Delicious Slow Cooker Cassoulet

Description

Easy and Delicious Slow Cooker Cassoulet

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
Directions

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Brown the chicken pieces and sausage slices in the bacon drippings for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add the cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top for added flavor. Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~370 kcal per serving

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Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof cassoulet.

1. Prep Ingredients: Dice onion, mince garlic, chop bacon, slice sausage, and cut chicken into chunks. Drain and rinse beans.
2. Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Brown Meats: Increase heat slightly. Add chicken and sausage slices to the bacon drippings. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side; they do not need to be cooked through.
4. Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer browned meats to the slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients (beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, and seasonings) except the cooked bacon. Stir well.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when the chicken is extremely tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve: Discard the bay leaf. Ladle the cassoulet into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty cassoulet is a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve with a thick slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a fresh contrast, a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness. A glass of dry white wine or a rustic red like a Côtes du Rhône pairs beautifully.

How-to Summary

Brown bacon, chicken, and sausage. Add all ingredients (except cooked bacon) to a slow cooker with beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, and herbs. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Top with reserved bacon before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried beans instead of canned? Yes, but you must soak and pre-cook them first. Using uncooked dried beans in a slow cooker with acidic ingredients like tomatoes can prevent them from softening.

What can I substitute for smoked sausage? Andouille, chorizo, or a Polish kielbasa all work well. For a lighter version, use a chicken or turkey sausage.

Can I make this cassoulet ahead of time? Absolutely. It reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the hot cassoulet, cover, and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Is it safe to cook chicken on LOW for 8 hours? Yes, the moist heat environment of a slow cooker is ideal for tough cuts like chicken thighs, making them fall-apart tender without drying out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the meats adds a crucial depth of flavor. Don’t rush or skip this step.
• Overcooking on HIGH: While faster, the HIGH setting can sometimes make the chicken shred too finely. LOW and slow is best for texture.
• Adding the Bacon Too Early: Stirring the crispy bacon in at the beginning will make it soggy. Always use it as a fresh garnish.
• Forgetting to Remove the Bay Leaf: The bay leaf can be a choking hazard and is unpleasant to bite into. Always remember to take it out before serving.

Conclusion

This simplified slow cooker cassoulet delivers the deep, comforting flavors of the classic French dish with minimal hands-on effort. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressive, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The rich combination of beans, meats, and herbs is sure to become a family favorite.