Imagine a dish that combines the rustic charm of French countryside cooking with the irresistible flavors of smoky sausage and tender chicken - welcome to the world of Smoked Sausage Chicken Cassoulet! This mouthwatering recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, hearty meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of France. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a soul-warming meal, this cassoulet promises to be your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing the smoked sausage into 1/2-inch rounds, dicing the onion finely, and mincing the garlic cloves.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sliced smoked sausage until edges are slightly crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, brown the seasoned chicken thighs until golden on both sides, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a slow cooker.
- Sauté the diced onions and minced garlic in the skillet until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the drained and rinsed white beans, browned sausage, and sautéed onion-garlic mixture to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is mostly covered.
- Cover and cook on low setting for 7-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and meats to become tender.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the cassoulet rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of chicken, sausage, and beans.
Tips
- Brown your meats thoroughly before slow cooking to develop deep, rich flavor profiles. This caramelization is key to an authentic cassoulet.
- Use a high-quality chicken broth or consider making your own for an extra flavor boost.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the low and slow method is crucial for creating tender, melt-in-your-mouth meats and allowing flavors to fully develop.
- For added texture, consider topping your cassoulet with some toasted breadcrumbs before serving for a delightful crispy element.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and intensify overnight.
- If you don't have a slow cooker, you can adapt this recipe for a Dutch oven, cooking at 325°F for approximately 2-3 hours.
- Serve with a crusty French bread to soak up all the delicious sauce and complete your culinary experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
