Description
A classic French comfort dish made with chicken slow-cooked in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, and aromatics until tender and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 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
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken thighs or drumsticks with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is crisp. Once done, transfer the bacon pieces to the slow cooker, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Brown the Chicken: Using the reserved bacon fat and olive oil, brown the chicken pieces in the skillet over medium-high heat until golden on all sides. This step seals in juices and adds depth to the flavor. Transfer browned chicken to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and halved mushrooms until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste with the vegetables, cooking briefly until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Thicken the Base: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to evenly coat. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Pour in the dry red wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan to incorporate all flavors into the liquid.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Pour the wine and vegetable mixture over the chicken and bacon in the slow cooker. Add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaf for aromatic seasoning.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and flavors meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the slow cooker before serving. Optionally, serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- The sauce thickens as it cools and rests—feel free to skim off excess fat if desired.
- For added depth, consider garnishing with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
