Coq Au Vin Recipe For Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin: A French Feast at Home

Picture this: a crisp autumn evening, the scent of a hearty meal wafting through your home, and a glass of full-bodied red wine in hand. You're about to experience the joy of Coq Au Vin, the classic French braised chicken dish, but with a modern twist - we're making it in a slow cooker!

Now, you might be thinking, "Coq Au Vin? Isn't that a fancy, time-consuming dish?" Well, yes, it is traditionally, but we're here to change that. We're going to turn your slow cooker into a French bistro, and you'll be serving up this delicious meal in no time.

Let's Talk History

Coq Au Vin has been a staple in French cuisine since the Middle Ages. Legend has it that the dish was created by a French chef who was challenged to make a meal out of an old rooster (coq in French). He braised the bird with wine, lardons, and mushrooms, and the rest is history.

Fun fact: Coq Au Vin translates to "rooster with wine," but don't worry, we're using chicken. Roosters are a bit tougher and less tasty, plus, they're not as easy to come by at your local grocery store.

Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 8 oz bacon, cut into lardons
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup red wine (something you'd drink, not cook with)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Let's Get Cooking!

First, brown the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's crispy, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the grease in the pan.

Slow cooker coq au vin recipe - BBC Food

Next, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the bacon grease until browned on both sides. You don't need to cook them through, just get a nice color on them. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the onions and cook until they're translucent. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Throw in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.

Now, it's time to deglaze the pan with the red wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and let the wine reduce by half. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.

Transfer the bacon, chicken, and onion-mushroom mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Coq Au Vin Slow Cooker Recipe | French Comfort Food - Fresh Cup of Joy

If you'd like a thicker sauce, mix the flour with a little cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Coq Au Vin is best served with crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. For a side dish, try some steamed green beans or a simple salad with a red wine vinaigrette.

Reflection: The Joy of Slow Cooking

There's something incredibly satisfying about using a slow cooker. It's like having a little helper in the kitchen, doing all the work while you go about your day. Plus, there's nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of a home-cooked meal.

Coq Au Vin might have ancient roots, but it's still a dish that brings people together today. So, gather your loved ones, pour some wine, and enjoy this French feast. Bon appétit!