Imagine transforming ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy French masterpiece without spending hours in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Coq au Vin is your culinary passport to France, delivering rich, complex flavors with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy home cook or a wannabe gourmet chef, this recipe will transport you straight to the rustic countryside of Burgundy, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs and drumsticks dry with paper towels, then season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the carrots begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once done, transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker, adding it on top of the chicken.
- Pour the entire bottle of red wine over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. This will serve as the braising liquid, infusing the dish with rich flavors. Add the bay leaves to the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the Coq au Vin to cook for approximately 6 hours. The long cooking time will ensure that the chicken becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors from the wine and vegetables.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for tenderness. It should be falling off the bone. If desired, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- To serve, ladle the Coq au Vin into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of chicken, vegetables, and sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Coq au Vin, a classic French dish that is sure to impress your family and friends!
Tips
- Choose the Right Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir. The wine's quality directly impacts the dish's flavor, so use something you'd enjoy drinking.
- Searing is Non-Negotiable: Don't skip the browning step! Searing the chicken develops a deep, caramelized flavor that's crucial to an authentic Coq au Vin.
- Low and Slow is the Secret: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The 6-hour slow cook allows flavors to meld and chicken to become incredibly tender.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh herbs and high-quality chicken for the best results. Farm-fresh ingredients can elevate this dish from good to extraordinary.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify overnight.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or with a crusty French baguette to soak up the luxurious sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 363kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 87mg
