You know that Slow Cooker Coq au Vin Recipe you keep seeing in fancy cookbooks? Yeah, the one that makes you think “Huh, I want homemade French food but I’m too tired/don’t have all day.” Well, that was totally me. When I first heard about a shortcut for classic coq au vin in the slow cooker, I honestly laughed out loud. French food—on a Wednesday?? Turns out, this is the lazy cook’s answer for a five-star restaurant dish. And you don’t need a beret or a bottle of expensive wine, either. (Seriously, if I can pull this off, you definitely can.)
How to make Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin
So here’s how my kitchen does this: You grab some chicken thighs (trust me, thighs are juicier than breasts for this one), mushrooms, pearl onions, bacon, and a good glug of dry red wine. Not the $25 bottle. I use the cheap stuff from the corner shop.
First, brown your bacon till it’s crisp. Dump the grease except for a bit, then sear the chicken just enough to get some color. Toss it all in the slow cooker—don’t skip the pan juices. Throw in mushrooms, pearl onions (frozen ones are fine), garlic, tomato paste, a scoop of flour, and herbs. Pour over your wine and a splash of chicken stock.
Set that baby on low, walk away, and daydream about Paris. Six hours later, your house smells ridiculous. The chicken falls off the bone, and the sauce is dark and cozy. Spoon it up with some crusty bread and a heavy hand of parsley.
“I made this Slow Cooker Coq au Vin Recipe on a busy Monday—came home to the best-smelling kitchen ever! My kids actually ate mushrooms, and my picky partner went back for seconds. Total weeknight win.”
– Dana from Minnesota
More great crock pot recipes for you to try
I’ll admit, my slow cooker is the most-used gadget in my kitchen (apart from the coffee maker, obviously). If you’re hooked on how easy this coq au vin turns out, you’ll love a few other cozy favorites.
Sometimes I rotate in a classic beef stew when everyone’s feeling meat-and-potatoes-y. Pulled pork is another go-to, especially for Sunday game days. And don’t forget vegetarian chili for when you just can’t stare another chicken breast in the face.
You can find a million ideas online (Pinterest will send you down a rabbit hole). But these core three—beef stew, pulled pork, veggie chili—never let me down. For anyone wanting more French flavor, slow cooker ratatouille is a sneaky tasty option. Maybe I’ll share that one next time.
Cooking tips for perfecting your Coq Au Vin
Alright, my kitchen disasters taught me a thing or two. For this Slow Cooker Coq au Vin Recipe, you don’t need to go big and fancy, but a few things totally change how it turns out.
Always brown your chicken pieces and bacon first. I know, I know—one extra dirty pan. But you get more flavor, and the color makes it look all gourmet even if you’re in sweatpants. If you hate peeling little onions, buy them frozen or skip them—no shame. Also, use a wine you’d actually drink (or, at least, wouldn’t spit out).
You can thicken the sauce at the end with a spoonful of cornstarch mixed in cold water if it’s too watery. I usually just leave the lid off for the last half hour, and it thickens right up. And really, don’t be scared to throw in extra herbs, especially thyme and bay leaf.
Common mistakes to avoid when making Coq Au Vin
Honestly, I’ve flubbed this Slow Cooker Coq au Vin Recipe before. First, don’t overload your pot. Packed layers mean the chicken stews instead of gently cooking. You’ll end up with a soggy mess (been there, don’t recommend it).
Another thing: don’t skimp on the seasoning. Salt is your friend. And if you skip browning the chicken, you’ll lose that classic richness. It just tastes flat.
One last thing. Be patient—don’t open the lid all the time. Trust your slow cooker. Fiddling just lets the heat out, and you’ll end up waiting forever for dinner. (And yes, I’ve made all of these mistakes. Nobody’s perfect.)
Suggested side dishes to pair with Coq Au Vin
Wondering what actually goes with this lovely French chicken concoction? Personally, I say you can’t beat mashed potatoes. But if you want to get fancy, here are my favorite sides:
- Buttery egg noodles: The sauce soaks right in—dreamy.
- Warm, crusty bread: Mops up every last drop.
- Simple green beans with lemon: Adds a little crunch and keeps it from getting too heavy.
If you’re feeling extra, a green salad with Dijon vinaigrette is classic. Or just pop open a bag of mixed greens and call it good. No one’s judging.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You totally can, but keep an eye on the cooking time. They dry out faster than thighs, so maybe knock off an hour.
What kind of wine is best for Slow Cooker Coq au Vin Recipe?
Honestly, go for a dry red. Pinot Noir or merlot work pretty well. Don’t overthink it.
Can I prep everything the night before?
Absolutely. I often chop and measure before bed, then just dump it in before work.
Is it okay to skip the bacon?
Sure, but you’ll miss a little smoky depth. Turkey bacon works in a pinch, or you can just add more mushrooms.
How can I make this gluten free?
Try thickening with cornstarch at the end instead of flour. Works like a charm!
Ready to Cozy Up with Some French Comfort Food?
Alright, friend, I hope you’re feeling bold enough to give this a shot in your kitchen. The Slow Cooker Coq au Vin Recipe isn’t some mystical French chef secret. It’s just big, bold flavor and a little patience. For another spin (and some step-by-step photos), check out this Easy Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin Recipe – Dinner, then Dessert. Or if you like a gourmet twist, you’ll love Betsy’s take over at Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin (easy, gourmet recipe!) | Betsy Life.
Seriously, try it once and you’ll be bragging to your friends that your crock pot can do French food too. Let me know how it turns out (unless it’s a disaster, then… hey, blame the chicken).
Bon appétit!
Slow Cooker Coq au Vin
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs Thighs are juicier than breasts.
- 4 oz bacon Bacon adds smoky depth.
- 8 oz mushrooms You can use frozen mushrooms.
- 1 cup pearl onions Use frozen if preferred.
- 2 cloves garlic Minced garlic gives great flavor.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste Enhances the sauce’s richness.
- 1 tbsp flour To thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup dry red wine Use a wine you’d drink; affordable options are fine.
- 1 cup chicken stock For moisture and flavor.
- 1 tsp thyme Fresh or dried thyme works.
- 1 leaf bay leaf
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the bacon in a skillet until it’s crisp.
- Remove excess grease from the skillet, leaving a little bit for flavor.
- Sear the chicken thighs in the skillet just enough for a little color.
- Transfer the chicken and bacon into the slow cooker with pan juices.
- Add mushrooms, pearl onions, garlic, tomato paste, flour, thyme, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
- Pour wine and chicken stock over the mixture.
Cooking
- Set the slow cooker on low and let it cook for 6 hours.
- Don’t open the lid frequently to maintain heat.
