Olivia Carter
Coq au vin is a classic French dish that consists of chicken braised with red wine, bacon, mushrooms, and onions. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner. While traditionally cooked on the stovetop or in the oven, it can also be made in a slow cooker for added convenience.
The slow cooker is a great tool for making coq au vin because it allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become incredibly tender. Plus, it requires minimal effort on your part – simply dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
But how long should you cook coq au vin in a slow cooker? The answer depends on the size of your chicken pieces and the heat setting of your slow cooker. As a general rule of thumb, bone-in chicken pieces will take longer to cook than boneless, and high heat setting will cook faster than low.
On average, coq au vin will take about 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat in a slow cooker. However, it’s always a good idea to check for doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
So next time you’re in the mood for coq au vin, try making it in your slow cooker for a hands-off and delicious meal. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to your chicken pieces and heat setting, and you’ll have a perfectly cooked coq au vin every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Coq Au Vin in a Slow Cooker
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that features tender chicken cooked in a rich red wine sauce. Traditionally, this dish is prepared on the stovetop or in the oven, but you can also make it in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking Coq Au Vin in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on |
| 4 | ounces bacon, diced |
| 1 | onion, diced |
| 2 | cloves garlic, minced |
| 8 | ounces mushrooms, sliced |
| 2 | carrots, sliced |
| 2 | tablespoons tomato paste |
| 2 | cups red wine |
| 1 | cup chicken broth |
| 2 | sprigs fresh thyme |
| 2 | bay leaves |
| 2 | tablespoons butter |
| 1 | tablespoon flour |
| – | salt and pepper to taste |
| – | chopped parsley for garnish |
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the onion, garlic, mushrooms, and carrots to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the red wine and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Pour the wine mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Serve the Coq Au Vin hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
This Coq Au Vin recipe cooked in a slow cooker is perfect for a hearty and comforting meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and tender dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Coq Au Vin
To make a delicious coq au vin in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon: This will add a smoky flavor to the dish.
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs and drumsticks: These cuts of chicken are perfect for slow cooking and will become tender and flavorful.
- 1 large onion: The onion will give the dish a sweet and savory flavor.
- 3 cloves of garlic: Garlic adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- 1 cup of red wine: Red wine is an essential ingredient in coq au vin and gives the dish its rich flavor.
- 1 cup of chicken broth: Chicken broth will provide the dish with moisture and a savory taste.
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste: Tomato paste adds a hint of acidity and richness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon of flour: Flour is used to thicken the sauce and give it a smooth consistency.
- 1 bay leaf: The bay leaf adds a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme: Thyme adds a warm and herbaceous taste to the coq au vin.
- Salt and pepper to taste: These seasonings will enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of the dish will add a bright and fresh flavor.
These ingredients will come together to create a delicious and hearty coq au vin in your slow cooker. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions and cook the dish for the recommended time for the best results.
Preparing the Ingredients for Coq Au Vin
Before you start cooking your Coq Au Vin in a slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare all the ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Ingredients:
| 1 | whole chicken, cut into pieces |
| 8 | slices of bacon, chopped |
| 1 | onion, finely chopped |
| 2 | carrots, peeled and sliced |
| 4 | garlic cloves, minced |
| 1 | bottle of red wine |
| 2 | tablespoons of tomato paste |
| 2 | tablespoons of all-purpose flour |
| 2 | tablespoons of butter |
| 1 | bouquet garni (thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves tied together) |
| 1 | cup of chicken broth |
| 1 | cup of pearl onions, peeled |
| 1 | cup of mushrooms, sliced |
| 1 | tablespoon of olive oil |
| Salt and black pepper |
Instructions:
1. Begin by cutting the whole chicken into pieces. You can use a knife or kitchen shears for this task. Remove the skin if desired.
2. Chop the bacon slices into small pieces. This will add a smoky and salty flavor to your Coq Au Vin.
3. Finely chop the onion and peel the carrots. Slice the carrots into thin rounds.
4. Mince the garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavors.
5. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
6. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them on all sides. This will help seal in the juices and add depth of flavor to the dish.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to the slow cooker.
8. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté them until they are slightly softened.
9. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
10. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
11. Transfer the onion, carrots, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
12. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, flour, and a little bit of red wine to create a smooth paste. This will help thicken the sauce.
13. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the tomato paste mixture. Cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
14. Pour the remaining red wine into the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.
15. Transfer the liquid to the slow cooker and add the bouquet garni.
16. Finally, add the pearl onions and sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker.
17. Drizzle the olive oil over the ingredients and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
18. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure all the ingredients are well coated.
19. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Once the cooking time is up, your Coq Au Vin will be ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Cooking Coq Au Vin in a Slow Cooker
Cooking Coq Au Vin in a slow cooker is a convenient and easy way to make this classic French dish. Coq Au Vin is a hearty chicken stew cooked in red wine, with tender chicken, mushrooms, onions, and bacon. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and flavorful.
To make Coq Au Vin in a slow cooker, start by browning the chicken pieces in a hot skillet with some oil. This step adds depth and richness to the final dish. Next, transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker. In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then add the onions and mushrooms. Cook until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have released their moisture, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, whisk together red wine, chicken broth, tomato paste, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir to combine and ensure that the chicken is fully coated in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
After the cooking time is up, remove the lid and check the chicken for tenderness. It should be easily pulled apart with a fork. If it’s not quite tender enough, continue cooking for an additional hour or so. Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside.
To thicken the sauce, transfer the liquid from the slow cooker to a saucepan and bring it to a boil on the stovetop. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the boiling sauce, whisking constantly. Continue cooking until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce over it. Stir to fully coat the chicken with the sauce. Serve the Coq Au Vin over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Cooking Coq Au Vin in a slow cooker allows you to enjoy the flavors of this classic French dish with minimal effort. The long, slow cooking time ensures tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. Give it a try for your next special dinner or gathering!
Adding the Final Touches to Coq Au Vin
Once your coq au vin has finished cooking in the slow cooker, it’s time to add the final touches to make it a truly impressive and flavorful dish. Here are some suggestions on how to elevate your coq au vin:
|
Garnish: |
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the coq au vin to add a pop of color and freshness. It will not only enhance the presentation, but also add a slightly herbaceous note to the dish. |
|
Reducing the Sauce: |
If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer the sauce to a saucepan. Simmer it over medium-high heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. This will intensify the flavors and give the dish a velvety texture. |
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Serving Suggestions: |
Coq au vin pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Additionally, a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad can add a fresh and vibrant element to the meal. |
|
Wine Pairing: |
Coq au vin is traditionally cooked with red wine, so it only makes sense to pair it with the same wine you used in the recipe. A bottle of Burgundy or Pinot Noir will complement the dish beautifully and enhance its rich flavors. |
By adding these final touches to your coq au vin, you can take it from a simple slow cooker recipe to an elegant and impressive meal that is sure to impress your guests.
Questions and answers
What is coq au vin?
Coq au vin is a classic French dish that consists of chicken cooked in red wine with onions, mushrooms, and bacon. It is slow-cooked to develop rich and robust flavors.
How long does it take to cook coq au vin in a slow cooker?
Coq au vin generally takes about 6 to 8 hours to cook in a slow cooker on low heat. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
Can I cook coq au vin in a slow cooker for less time?
While it is possible to cook coq au vin in a slow cooker for less time, the flavors may not develop as fully and the meat may not be as tender. It is recommended to cook it for the suggested 6 to 8 hours for the best results.
