Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin recipe, but let me highlight just a few.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make; just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Second, the rich, savory flavors are absolutely irresistible. The combination of bacon, chicken, and wine creates a depth of taste that warms the soul. Plus, the aroma wafting through your home is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
Finally, this dish is perfect for gatherings because it serves a crowd, allowing you to enjoy quality time with friends and family instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal that feels fancy but is super easy to make, this Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin recipe is a total winner.
It’s packed with flavor and the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients to make it happen.
Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish is sure to hit the spot. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to gather before you get cooking!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin:
- 8 ounces sliced bacon, diced
- 1 quartered chicken, skin removed (about 4 1/2 lbs)
- 8 ounces small mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen small whole onions, thawed
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Now, before you run off to the grocery store, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients.
First off, don’t stress too much if you can’t find small whole onions; regular ones chopped up will work just fine.
And if you’re not a fan of white wine, a splash of chicken broth can substitute in a pinch, although it won’t have quite the same depth of flavor.
Also, feel free to get creative with the mushrooms—whatever variety you like best can bring a unique twist to the dish.
Just remember, every ingredient plays a role in making this a cozy, comforting meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Happy cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin
Alright, let’s get cooking with this Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin! First up, grab your 8 ounces of diced bacon. You’re going to want to cook that in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This is where the magic starts—who doesn’t love bacon?
Once it’s done, fish it out with a slotted spoon and let it hang out in your slow cooker (a 4 1/2 to 6-quart one works best). Now, don’t be too hasty; pour off all but about 1 tablespoon of the lovely bacon fat from the skillet. We need that for some serious flavor later.
Next, we’re moving on to the star of the show: the chicken. Take your quartered chicken (that’s about 4 1/2 pounds, skin removed, remember) and toss it into the same skillet. Brown it on medium-high heat for a few minutes. Oh, the sizzle is music to the ears, isn’t it?
Once it’s golden and glorious, pour off any excess fat (just don’t dump it down the sink, please). Now it’s time to build flavor—add those 8 ounces of small mushrooms, 1 cup of thawed small whole onions, and 6 minced garlic cloves into the slow cooker on top of the bacon. Nestle the browned chicken right on top of that delicious mix.
Now for the sauce, which is where everything comes together. In that same skillet, pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine, along with 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring it all to a boil, let those flavors mingle for a minute, and then pour this aromatic goodness over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover that bad boy up and let it do its thing on low for about 6 hours. As you wait, you might find yourself daydreaming about how amazing your kitchen smells. Seriously, it’s like a cozy hug in the air.
When the time is up, carefully transfer the chicken and veggies onto a platter and keep them warm. Don’t forget about the sauce! Pour it into a saucepan, and in a separate cup, mix 1/4 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir that into the sauce and heat it until it thickens and bubbles.
It’s like magic watching it transform into something glossy and rich. After a minute of boiling, pour that luscious sauce over the chicken and vegetables. And there you have it—a comforting, gourmet meal that looks like you spent the entire day slaving away, when really it was just the slow cooker doing all the hard work. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin, I’ve got some tasty substitutions and variations for you!
You can swap the chicken for duck or even a whole cut-up turkey for a different flavor profile. Instead of bacon, try pancetta or smoked sausage for that smoky richness.
If you want a vegetarian version, use mushrooms and hearty vegetables like carrots and zucchini, ditching the meat altogether.
For the wine, you can experiment with red wine or even a dark beer for a unique twist. Don’t forget to play around with herbs—thyme or tarragon can add a delightful depth.
Get creative and make it your own!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin
While planning a meal to accompany your Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin, I find that sticking with classic French sides elevates the experience.
A creamy potato purée or fluffy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that rich sauce. You can also serve it alongside crusty French bread, which adds a delightful crunch and complements the dish beautifully.
If you’re in the mood for greens, a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette refreshes the palate.
Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, bring a wonderful depth to the meal.
Finally, don’t forget to pour a glass of the same dry white wine you used in the dish—it ties everything together and enhances the flavors beautifully.
Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin turns out perfectly, I recommend prepping your ingredients in advance. Chop your vegetables and dice the bacon ahead of time; this will save you stress during the cooking process.
If you want a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in wine overnight. Don’t skip browning the chicken and bacon; it adds depth to the final dish.
For a thicker sauce, adjust the cornstarch to your preference, but remember to mix it well in water before adding it to the sauce. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-sliced mushrooms and frozen onions.
Finally, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy!