Chicken Cassoulet Recipe – A Hearty Comfort Food Delight
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 9 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: One-Dish Meal
Calories per Serving: 433.2 kcal
Rating: 4.5/5 (4 reviews)
Description
Revisit the flavors of the past with this nostalgic Chicken Cassoulet recipe, a comforting, hearty dish that was once a staple in many homes during the mid-1970s. Found in a classic Better Homes and Gardens recipe booklet, this dish is the epitome of comfort food and will have you yearning for cooler weather. With the rich combination of tender chicken, smoky Polish sausage, flavorful beans, and aromatic spices, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The slow-cooked method allows all the flavors to meld together into a savory, satisfying meal. Prep time includes the soaking of the beans for that perfect texture. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy winter evening or just want a simple, delicious meal, this chicken cassoulet is sure to warm your soul.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Navy beans | 1 cup |
| Chicken pieces | 2 1/2 – 3 pounds |
| Polish sausage | 1/2 pound |
| Tomato juice | 1 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Beef bouillon granules | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken bouillon granules | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Dried basil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Carrot | 1 medium, peeled and diced |
| Celery | 1/2 stalk, chopped |
| Onion | 1/2 medium, chopped |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 433.2 kcal |
| Fat | 28.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 112.7 mg |
| Sodium | 634.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 13.4 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Protein | 29.8 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beans:
- Start by rinsing the navy beans under cold water. Place them in a medium saucepan and add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
- Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the beans sit covered for 1 hour. Alternatively, you can soak the beans overnight in a cool place, then drain and rinse them before using.
-
Prep the Meat and Vegetables:
- While the beans are soaking, rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Set them aside for later.
- Slice the Polish sausage lengthwise, then cut each half into 1-inch pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soaked and drained beans with the sausage, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon granules, chicken bouillon granules, dried basil, dried oregano, and paprika. Stir this mixture together until well combined. Set aside.
-
Assemble in the Crockpot:
- In a 4-quart slow cooker, add the chopped celery, carrot, and onion as the base layer.
- Next, place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared bean and sausage mixture over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly spread out.
-
Slow Cook the Cassoulet:
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 9 to 11 hours, or on high heat for 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to become tender and infused with rich flavors.
-
Finish the Dish:
- After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken pieces and sausage from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon.
- Using a fork or potato masher, slightly mash the bean mixture to create a thicker, more cohesive consistency.
-
Serve:
- Spoon the mashed bean mixture into bowls and top with the chicken and sausage.
- Serve the chicken cassoulet with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, and enjoy this comforting, nostalgic meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken Cassoulet:
- Beans: If you’re short on time, you can opt for canned navy beans, but soaking dried beans gives the dish a more authentic texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: You can switch up the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Leeks or parsnips make great additions if you’re looking to vary the flavor profile.
- Leftovers: This cassoulet tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make extra and enjoy it as leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Cassoulet is a dish that warms you from the inside out, offering the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite. The slow cooking method allows the beans to absorb the savory richness of the chicken, sausage, and aromatic spices, while the vegetables add a layer of freshness and crunch. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying this dish for the first time, it’s sure to become a new family favorite for those cozy nights. The combination of protein-packed chicken and sausage, along with the fiber from the beans, makes this a well-balanced, filling meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Plus, the minimal hands-on time makes it an easy, one-pot wonder.
Final Thoughts
This hearty Chicken Cassoulet is a dish that stands the test of time, just as it did when it first gained popularity decades ago. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort, whether you’re facing chilly weather or simply in the mood for some classic home-cooked goodness. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, this dish delivers rich flavors and is sure to leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Enjoy your Chicken Cassoulet with crusty bread and the company of loved ones!
Keywords: Poultry, Beans, Meat, Easy, Inexpensive
