Slow Cooker Chicken Sauce Piquante Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sauté the onions, peppers, and celery in a separate pan with a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker, though this is optional.

If you have the time, this extra step helps to caramelize the vegetables and intensifies the base of the sauce. Always be careful not to burn the Cajun seasoning if you choose to include it in the sautéing step.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This will help bind the juices and create a more luxurious consistency. Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust the seasoning, as the flavors will concentrate during the long cooking time and may need a final touch of salt.

Variations

• Seafood Piquante: Substitute the chicken with a pound of raw shrimp and a pound of white fish chunks. Add the seafood only during the final 30 minutes of cooking to ensure the fish remains tender and the shrimp do not become rubbery.
• Smoked Sausage Addition: Add one pound of sliced smoked sausage to the slow cooker along with the chicken. The smokiness of the sausage adds a wonderful depth to the sauce and complements the Cajun spices perfectly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until hot throughout.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve the next day as the spices continue to meld.

Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for longer than 2 hours to maintain food safety. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal planning.

This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can chop all the vegetables and cut the chicken the night before, storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator.

In the morning, simply assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and start the cooking process. This saves significant time during busy days and ensures you have a hot, homemade meal waiting for you when you return home in the evening.

Serving ideas

Serve this chicken sauce piquante over a bed of warm, fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. The mildness of the rice perfectly balances the spicy heat of the stew. You can also serve it with a side of crusty French bread or cornbread to help scoop up the remaining sauce at the bottom of the bowl.

For a fresh finish, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. A side of coleslaw or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing also pairs well, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish. Ensure each portion is served hot, directly from the slow cooker or a warmed serving bowl.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Chicken Sauce Piquante

Prep 15 minCook 6 hRest 5 minTotal 6 h 20 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 28 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles

Instructions

1. Add the bite-size pieces of chicken thighs into the basin of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed along the bottom of the ceramic insert.
2. Scatter the diced bell peppers, diced onions, and diced celery over the chicken pieces. Evenly sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the top of the vegetables.
3. Pour the diced tomatoes with green chiles over the vegetable and chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before portioning.

Contains: celery

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.