Slow Cooker Tarragon White Wine Chicken Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra depth to the sauce, you can sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for 2 to 3 minutes per side before placing them into the slow cooker. This step, while optional, adds a nice golden color to the skin and creates fond in the pan, which can be deglazed with the wine and added to the slow cooker for a more complex flavor profile.

If you find that the sauce is not thick enough at the end of the cooking time, you can whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry or a little bit of cold butter to emulsify the liquid.

This will give the sauce a professional, velvety finish that clings beautifully to the chicken, making every bite feel like a treat. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of kosher salt to taste if needed.

Variations

• Creamy Tarragon Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a richer, more luxurious sauce consistency.
• Mushroom Tarragon Chicken: Add 1 cup of sliced cremini mushrooms at the beginning of the cooking process to add an earthy flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until steaming hot throughout.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool down for no more than 2 hours before placing them in an airtight container. Keep the chicken and the sauce together in the container to help prevent the meat from drying out.

Properly stored, this dish will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, ensure it is heated until steaming hot all the way through before serving.

This recipe is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker basin the night before and store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply pull it out, place it in the slow cooker base, and start the cooking cycle. Just remember to add an extra 30 minutes of cooking time if the basin is cold.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish alongside sides that can soak up the delicious, wine-infused sauce. A serving of creamy mashed potatoes, steamed jasmine rice, or a crusty baguette is ideal. The mild starch helps to balance the acidity of the wine and the herbaceous notes of the tarragon, creating a cohesive and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

For a lighter accompaniment, consider serving the chicken with roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens provides a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken thighs.

Regardless of the side dish, ensure that you spoon plenty of the glossy sauce over the chicken and any starch you choose to serve it with for maximum enjoyment.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Tarragon White Wine Chicken

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 medium shallots, minced
• 1 tbsp dried tarragon
• 1/2 cup dry white wine

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker basin. Distribute the minced shallots evenly over the top of the chicken pieces. Sprinkle the dried tarragon over the shallots and chicken, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor distribution during the cooking process.
2. Pour the dry white wine over the seasoned chicken. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow, gentle heat will allow the wine and tarragon to infuse the chicken while creating a savory, glossy sauce.
3. Check that the chicken is fully cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

4.5 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

1.5 g

Sodium

210 mg

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