Name: Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490621H27M26S
Total time: 7 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cups mushrooms, halved; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups dry red wine; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings all the beautiful flavors of French country cooking to your table, you absolutely must try this Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe. Chicken is slowly cooked in a rich red wine sauce infused with mushrooms, crisp bacon, and fragrant herbs until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender and irresistibly flavorful. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite—perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings where you want to impress without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with different cooking ingredients neatly arranged. On the right side, there is a gray plate piled with six raw chicken drumsticks, pale pink with a smooth skin texture. Near the chicken, to the back, a white bowl holds a bunch of brown mushrooms with firm caps. To the left of the mushrooms, a bunch of fresh carrots with bright orange skin and green tops are placed diagonally, next to a clear container labeled

Every item in this Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe is thoughtfully chosen, combining to create complex layers of taste and texture without overwhelming you with countless ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building that classic, rich flavor profile and ensuring a beautiful balance between savory, earthy, and aromatic notes.

Chicken (6 bone-in thighs or drumsticks): These cuts give you extra flavor and moisture as they slow-cook, staying tender and juicy.
Bacon (4 slices, chopped): Adds smoky richness and a lovely crispy contrast that deepens the overall taste.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to brown the chicken, imparting a subtle fruitiness and golden color.
Onion (1, chopped): Provides a sweet foundation and enhances the sauce’s depth.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant warmth that infuses the dish beautifully.
Mushrooms (2 cups, halved): Their earthy, meaty texture complements the wine sauce perfectly.
Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Adds intense umami and a subtle touch of acidity to balance the richness.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
Dry red wine (2 cups): The heart of the recipe, giving it its signature deep, fruity flavor.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Provides savory depth that complements the wine and rounds out the sauce.
Fresh thyme (2 sprigs): Infuses subtle herbal notes that brighten the dish.
Bay leaf (1): Adds a gentle earthiness for more complex seasoning.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for highlighting all the flavors.

How to Make Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook the Bacon

First things first: season your chicken generously with salt and pepper so every bite is packed with flavor. Then, crisp the chopped bacon in a skillet—it’s going to provide both tasty fat and a smoky base for the dish. Once golden and crispy, set the bacon aside and reserve that flavorful bacon fat for the next step.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Using the bacon fat and a bit of olive oil, brown the chicken pieces on all sides. This step is key to locking in juices and developing that mouthwatering caramelized crust that will deepen the flavor of your slow-cooked stew. After browning, transfer the chicken straight into the slow cooker, bacon included.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Build Flavor

In the same skillet, soften onions and mushrooms; their aromas will fill your kitchen and bring a wonderful base to the sauce. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking just long enough to combine their flavors without burning. Then, sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir well to create a roux-like mixture that will thicken the sauce later.

Step 4: Deglaze and Combine

Pour the red wine and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up all those beautifully browned bits from the bottom. This liquid is the essence of your Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe’s signature sauce. Transfer everything into the slow cooker, nestle in fresh thyme sprigs and a bay leaf, then cover and cook low for 7 to 8 hours, or high for about 4 hours until the chicken is incredibly tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

Before serving, remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf so no one gets an unexpected bite. You’ll notice the sauce has thickened and concentrated beautifully while the chicken melts off the bone in all that rich wine reduction. This is comfort food elevated to an art form.

How to Serve Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe

Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the deep, savory sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few thinly sliced green onions or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can bring an extra layer of brightness to your plate.

Side Dishes

This Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe pairs famously well with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious sauce beautifully. Crusty French bread is another classic companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp green salad provide a fresh balance to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress presentation-wise, serve the chicken atop a bed of buttery polenta or even alongside roasted root vegetables for a rustic, countryside vibe. For a dinner party, arrange chicken pieces garnished with fresh herbs on a large platter with sauce spooned generously over, inviting everyone to dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to keep the sauce and chicken together to preserve all that glorious moisture.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace. It will keep for up to 3 months. When thawed and reheated, the sauce might thicken a bit more, so just stir in a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it back up.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Stir occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist while heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe?

While chicken breasts can be used, thighs or drumsticks are better suited due to their higher fat content and ability to stay moist during long cooking. Breasts might dry out in the slow cooker’s extended heat.

What type of red wine is best for this recipe?

Choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking, such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Burgundy. The wine’s quality greatly affects the final flavor, so avoid anything too sweet or inexpensive.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! You can adapt the recipe by simmering everything gently in a heavy pot on the stovetop for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.

Is it necessary to add tomato paste?

Tomato paste adds depth and a touch of acidity to balance the rich wine and savory bacon flavors, but it’s optional. If you skip it, the dish will still be delicious, just slightly less complex.

How thick should the sauce be when finished?

The sauce should be rich and velvety but not overly thick—enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling to the chicken, enhancing every bite without feeling heavy or gloopy.

Final Thoughts

This Slow-Cooked Coq au Vin Recipe is a genuine showstopper that fills your home with the intoxicating aromas of traditional French cooking. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for leisurely weekends or special occasions that call for something truly comforting and impressive. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite that turns any dinner into a memorable celebration of flavor.