Rich and Hearty Crock Pot Coq Au Vin
This Rich and Hearty Crock Pot Coq Au Vin delivers the classic flavors of a traditional French dish with the convenience of a slow cooker. By browning the bacon, chicken, and vegetables beforehand, you infuse deep, complex flavors that transform both the chicken and sauce into a deliciously rich experience. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, making each bite a heavenly combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and savory sauce. Serve this comforting dish with a crusty baguette to soak up every drop of delicious sauce, or enjoy it over fluffy couscous for a more filling meal.
4
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
8 (trimmmed, about 2 pounds)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
All-Purpose Flour
3 tablespoons (for coating the chicken)
Bacon
4 slices (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
White Mushrooms or Baby Portabella Mushrooms
12 ounces (quartered)
Carrots
2 (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
Medium Onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (chopped)
Chicken Broth
1/2 cup (low-sodium recommended)
Merlot Red Wine
1 1/2 cups (preferably a dry variety)
Fresh Thyme Sprigs
2 large (whole)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
8.8g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crock Pot Coq Au Vin?
It is a traditional French chicken dish braised with red wine, mushrooms, and bacon, adapted for the convenience of a slow cooker.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but boneless skinless chicken thighs are recommended as they remain more tender and juicy during the slow cooking process.
What kind of wine is best for this recipe?
A dry red wine is best. This recipe specifically recommends 1 1/2 cups of Merlot.
Do I have to brown the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?
While you can skip it, browning the chicken first infuses deep, complex flavors and improves the final texture of the dish.
What should I serve with Coq Au Vin?
It is delicious served with a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce or over a bed of fluffy couscous.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour to coat the chicken. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, but the bacon provides a savory, smoky depth that is characteristic of traditional Coq Au Vin.
What type of mushrooms work best?
White mushrooms or baby portabella mushrooms are both excellent choices for this recipe.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 17.5g of protein per serving.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, if using dried thyme, use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon since dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh sprigs.
Is it necessary to peel the carrots?
The recipe recommends peeling the carrots and cutting them into 1/2-inch pieces for the best texture.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Can I use chicken broth instead of wine?
You can use extra chicken broth, but the wine is the signature ingredient that provides the 'Vin' in Coq Au Vin.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8.8g of fat per serving.
Do I use butter or olive oil?
You can use 3 tablespoons of either unsalted butter or olive oil, depending on your preference.
Can I add more vegetables like onions or garlic?
The recipe already calls for one medium onion and two cloves of garlic, but you can certainly add more to suit your taste.
Is low-sodium chicken broth required?
Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can better control the saltiness of the final sauce.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size should the bacon be cut into?
The bacon should be cut into 1/2-inch pieces before browning.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, Coq Au Vin freezes very well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I store this in the refrigerator?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.
Does the alcohol in the wine cook out?
Most of the alcohol evaporates during the long slow cooking process, leaving behind a rich flavor.
How do I prep the chicken thighs?
Trim any excess fat from the 8 chicken thighs and coat them in the flour, salt, and pepper mixture.
What is the purpose of browning the vegetables?
Sautéing the mushrooms, carrots, and onions before slow cooking caramelizes them and adds deeper flavor to the sauce.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in thighs or drumsticks work well, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, the combination of chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and carrots makes it a very filling and comforting dish.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or more to your personal taste.
Why use a crock pot for this French classic?
The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the chicken incredibly tender with minimal active effort.