Slow Cooker Coq au Vin

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Coq au Vin is one of those timeless French dishes that feels elegant, comforting, and deeply satisfying all at once. Traditionally simmered low and slow on the stovetop, this classic chicken-in-red-wine stew adapts beautifully to the slow cooker — delivering all the rich flavor with far less hands-on effort.

Slow Cooker Coq au Vin features tender chicken braised in red wine with smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, sweet pearl onions, and aromatic herbs. The result is a luxurious, velvety sauce and fall-apart chicken that tastes like it simmered all day in a French countryside kitchen — because it did.

This version keeps the soul of the classic dish intact while making it approachable for busy schedules, dinner parties, or cozy weekend meals.

Why the Slow Cooker Works Perfectly for Coq au Vin

The magic of coq au vin lies in time. Slow cooking allows the wine to mellow, the aromatics to bloom, and the chicken to become incredibly tender. Using a slow cooker makes this process nearly effortless while preserving the depth and complexity of the original recipe.

This dish is:

  • Rich and comforting
  • Perfect for entertaining
  • Ideal for make-ahead meals
  • Impressive but approachable
  • Even better the next day

It’s proof that classic French food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients

Coq au Vin

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • Bacon, chopped
  • Pearl onions (fresh or frozen)
  • Cremini or button mushrooms
  • Garlic, minced
  • Tomato paste
  • All-purpose flour
  • Dry red wine (Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or similar)
  • Chicken broth
  • Fresh thyme
  • Bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Olive oil

For Serving

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Buttered noodles
  • Crusty French bread
  • Fresh parsley or thyme

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon
    In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer bacon to the slow cooker, reserving some drippings.
  2. Brown the Chicken
    Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in bacon drippings until golden on both sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Sauté Vegetables
    Add mushrooms and pearl onions to the skillet. Cook until lightly browned. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook briefly.
  4. Deglaze with Wine
    Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir to coat, then pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Slow Cook
    Transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
  6. Finish and Serve
    Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot.

Slow Cooker Coq au Vin

Classic French chicken braised in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and herbs made easy in the slow cooker.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: French
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Coq au Vin
  • 3 lb chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup pearl onions
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups dry red wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Cook bacon until crisp; transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Brown seasoned chicken; add to slow cooker.
  3. Sauté mushrooms and onions; add garlic and tomato paste.
  4. Deglaze pan with wine and simmer briefly.
  5. Transfer everything to slow cooker with broth and herbs.
  6. Cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4 hours.

Notes

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Coq au Vin

  • Use bone-in chicken for maximum flavor.
  • Choose dry red wine — avoid sweet varieties.
  • Don’t skip browning — it builds depth.
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Flavor Variations

  • Extra Rich: Add a splash of brandy.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add carrots or parsnips.
  • Creamy Finish: Stir in a bit of butter before serving.
  • Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Slow Cooker Coq au Vin with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Egg noodles or tagliatelle
  • Crusty bread for soaking up sauce
  • A simple green salad

Pair with the same wine used in cooking for a classic French touch.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Coq au vin tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with slow cooker simplicity. It’s comforting, elegant, and deeply satisfying — perfect for cold nights, special dinners, or when you want to impress without stress.

Once you try this version, it becomes your go-to way to make coq au vin.

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