Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate culinary resource dedicated to creating flavorful, nourishing, and wholesome dishes that bring comfort and joy to your table. Today, we delve into a simplified yet deeply satisfying interpretation of the classic French cassoulet—a hearty, bean-rich stew traditionally associated with the southwestern region of France. Our version, dubbed the Easy Cassoulet Soup, is designed to be accessible, nutritious, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. By leveraging the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe allows flavors to meld beautifully over hours, resulting in tender chicken, rich beans, and aromatic herbs in every bowl.

Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7-8 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: Approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes

Needed Equipment

• 4-5 quart slow cooker (preferably programmable)
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Canning or slotted spoon (for draining beans if canned)
• Can opener (if using canned beans or tomatoes)
• Stirring spoon or ladle
• Optional: sauté pan for aromatics

Tags

Comfort Food, Hearty Soups, Slow Cooker Recipes, French Cuisine, Family Dinners, Vegetarian Options (if beans are increased), Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, High-Protein, Budget-Friendly

Serving Size

Serves approximately 6-8 hearty bowls, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Difficulty Level

Easy — This recipe requires minimal active cooking and leverages the slow cooker for effortless flavor development. Suitable for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Allergen Information

• Contains: None of the major common allergens explicitly, but cross-contamination with gluten or other allergens depends on ingredients used (e.g., canned products).
• Note: Always check labels for gluten or other allergen presence if you have sensitivities.

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian option possible by omitting chicken and adding extra vegetables or plant-based proteins. This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free products.

Course

Main Course — a complete, filling meal that can be served as a stand-alone dish or accompanied by sides.

Cuisine

French-inspired, with influences from rustic, Provençal flavors.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation of Ingredients

Begin by assembling all your ingredients. Wash and peel the carrots, then slice them into thin, uniform rounds to ensure even cooking. The red and green bell peppers should be washed thoroughly under cold running water, then stemmed, seeded, and sliced into strips or small pieces depending on your preference for texture. Dice the onions into small, even pieces to promote uniform sautéing and flavor release. Mince the garlic cloves finely; this will allow their aroma and flavor to disperse evenly throughout the dish.

If you’re opting to sauté the aromatics for a deeper flavor, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced peppers, cooking gently until they become fragrant and the onions are translucent—about 5-7 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended for a richer flavor profile. Once done, transfer the sautéed aromatics directly into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Preparing Beans and Tomatoes

The beans—cannellini and great northern—should be rinsed thoroughly under cold water to remove any canning liquid, excess salt, or preservatives. Drain well and set aside. If using dried beans, soak them overnight or use quick soaking methods, then cook until tender before adding to the slow cooker. For convenience, canned beans are perfectly suitable, just ensure they are drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium and preservatives.

Open the can of Italian-style stewed tomatoes, and pour the entire contents into a bowl. Use a spoon or a potato masher to gently break down the tomatoes if you prefer a slightly thicker, more uniform consistency, though leaving some chunks adds texture.

Step 3: Assembling the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, layer the prepared vegetables—carrots, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Add the drained beans and Italian stewed tomatoes. Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetable and bean mixture, ensuring they are evenly spaced to promote even cooking.

Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, which serve as the flavorful liquid base. The liquids should mostly cover the ingredients; add more broth or water if necessary. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the mixture, followed by the dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Gently stir the ingredients to distribute the seasonings evenly but be careful not to disturb the chicken too much.

Step 4: Slow Cooking

Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set it to the LOW setting, and cook for approximately 7-8 hours. During this time, the chicken thighs will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully, creating a rich, hearty broth infused with herbs and aromatics. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to preserve heat and ensure consistent temperature.

Step 5: Final Adjustments and Serving

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you desire a spicier kick, sprinkle a little more cayenne pepper or garnish with chili flakes.

For serving, ladle the hot soup into deep bowls, ensuring each serving contains a good mix of beans, vegetables, and chicken. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a dash of cayenne pepper if you like extra heat. Serve alongside crusty bread, perhaps a baguette or sourdough, and a light salad for a complete meal.

Preparation Tips

• Enhancing Flavor: Sauté the aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker to deepen their flavor. Use quality chicken thighs for tender, moist meat.
• Bean Texture: Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the beans with some broth before adding back to the soup.
• Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some beans or potatoes after cooking. Conversely, add more broth to make it more liquid.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or basil for additional flavor complexity.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Layering Flavors: Incorporate smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Increase beans and add hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, omit chicken.
• Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors intensify. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Add-ons

• Shredded cheese (Parmesan or Gruyère) for topping
• Crumbled cooked bacon for extra savoriness
• Fresh lemon wedges for a bright, tangy finish
• Hot sauce or chili flakes for spice lovers

Side Dishes

• Crusty French baguette or sourdough bread
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or cauliflower
• Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast

Improvements

• Use homemade chicken stock for richer flavor if time permits.
• Add a splash of sherry or dry vermouth during the last hour of cooking for complexity.
• Finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of grated cheese before serving.
• Include additional vegetables like zucchini, kale, or spinach for added nutrients and variety.

Save and Store

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate in portions for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to restore desired consistency.

FAQ

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the chicken thighs and increase the beans or add additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. Consider adding plant-based protein sources such as tofu or tempeh for extra substance.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but they require soaking overnight and additional cooking time. Cook dried beans until tender before adding to the slow cooker, or adjust the recipe to include pre-cooked beans.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, provided you use gluten-free stewed tomatoes and check labels on canned ingredients. It is naturally gluten-free.

How do I make the soup spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to taste during the final seasoning adjustments.

Conclusion

This Easy Cassoulet Soup exemplifies the beauty of simple ingredients transformed into a hearty, flavorful dish that comforts and sustains. Its flexibility allows for numerous variations, making it adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences. Perfect for busy families, this slow cooker recipe ensures that a nourishing meal is always within reach, delivering warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Remember, the key to a great cassoulet soup lies in the quality of your ingredients and patience during slow cooking—trust in the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that feels both rustic and refined. For more delicious recipes like this, visit Love With Recipes, your trusted source for culinary inspiration and wholesome cooking.