Slow Cooker Coq au Vin Recipe

Try this delicious and vibrant coq au vin recipe made in a slow cooker. Traditionally a French dish, coq au vin is a hearty chicken stew cooked in red wine. This slow cooker version is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal. The chicken is tender, the flavors are rich, and the aroma will leave your kitchen smelling amazing. Serve this classic dish with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to the slow cooker, and leave the fat in the skillet.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In the same skillet with the bacon fat, brown the chicken on both sides until golden. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are slightly softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the red wine and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker, covering the chicken and bacon. Cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker.
7. Before serving, remove the chicken and mushrooms from the slow cooker and keep warm.
8. In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with ¼ cup of water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
9. Return the chicken and mushrooms to the slow cooker, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
10. Serve the coq au vin hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

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