Another Italian delight to enjoy making in your slow cooker is this Chicken Boscaiola, needing around 4 hours to cook using chicken thighs, thickened cream, garlic, onion, bacon pieces, and mushrooms.

To make Chicken Boscaiola in your slow cooker or crockpot, place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

I love how the creamy sauce melds all the flavors together, making it a true comfort food.

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What is Chicken Boscaiola?

Chicken Boscaiola is an Italian dish featuring chicken cooked in a creamy sauce. The sauce typically includes mushrooms, bacon, garlic, and onions, creating a rich and savory flavor. The dish is often served with pasta, making it a hearty and comforting meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken Boscaiola Ingredients

• 1 kg of chicken thighs (breast can also be used)
• 600 ml of thickened cream
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 cup of chicken stock (made with 1 chicken cube and 1 cup of boiling water)
• Bacon pieces (about $3 worth, or use bacon rashers to taste)
• 375 g of mushrooms, sliced (adjust to your taste)
• 1 tsp of garlic salt (to taste)

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Boscaiola

1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the garlic and onion, and slice the mushrooms to your preferred size. If the chicken thighs are large, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Combine the ingredients: Place the chicken thighs, diced garlic, diced onion, sliced mushrooms, bacon pieces, thickened cream, chicken stock, and garlic salt into the slow cooker. Make sure all the ingredients are well-distributed and mixed slightly.
3. Cook the mixture: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for approximately 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from splitting and to ensure the flavors are well combined.
4. Prepare the pasta: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. Cut the chicken: While the pasta is boiling, carefully cut the cooked chicken thighs into smaller pieces if they are not already bite-sized. This helps in mixing the chicken more evenly with the sauce.
6. Thicken the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, thicken the sauce in the slow cooker by adding 4 tablespoons of cornflour mixed with a little water. Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to thicken.
7. Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, serve the chicken boscaiola over the pasta.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken breasts cook faster, so check for doneness earlier to avoid drying them out. They will still absorb the creamy sauce well, providing a lighter alternative to thighs.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and mushrooms will enhance the flavor of your Chicken Boscaiola significantly. Always choose fresh ingredients over canned or dried ones for the best taste.
• Stir occasionally: While cooking, stir the ingredients occasionally to prevent the cream from splitting. This will help maintain a smooth and creamy texture in your final dish.
• Thickening the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, mix cornflour with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the dish about halfway through the cooking time and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding salt or garlic salt can enhance the flavors based on your preference.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy twist: Add some red chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the slow cooker for a spicy kick. This variation can add an extra layer of flavor and a bit of heat to your dish.
• Herb infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the slow cooker. These herbs will infuse the dish with a fragrant aroma and an extra depth of flavor.
• Different protein: Substitute the chicken thighs with pork tenderloin or turkey breast. This variation allows you to enjoy the dish with different types of meat, each bringing its unique flavor.
• Creamy alternative: Use coconut milk instead of thickened cream for a dairy-free version. Coconut milk will give the dish a slightly sweet and exotic flavor while maintaining its creamy consistency.

What To Serve With Chicken Boscaiola

Serve your Chicken Boscaiola with savory sides like Fresh Green Beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed spinach. For a fresher touch, try a simple arugula salad or a tangy coleslaw. You can also pair it with herb-roasted carrots or a warm quinoa salad.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Boscaiola

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Chicken Boscaiola in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.

In The Freezer:

Place Chicken Boscaiola in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and label it with the date before storing. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Boscaiola

Reheat your leftover Chicken Boscaiola on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, covered, on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Porterhouse Ragu
• Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagne
• Slow Cooker Honey Chilli Beef Noodles