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Coq au vin is one of those classic French dishes that sounds fancy, feels indulgent, and tastes like something that simmered all day in a countryside kitchen. Traditionally, it’s a braised chicken dish cooked slowly in red wine with mushrooms, onions, bacon, and herbs—rich, soulful, and deeply comforting. This Slow Cooker Coq au Vin captures everything you love about the classic version but makes it easy, approachable, and weeknight-friendly.
By using a slow cooker, you get tender, fall-apart chicken and a deeply developed sauce with minimal effort. There’s no complicated technique, no intimidating steps—just simple preparation followed by hands-off cooking that fills your home with the most incredible aroma.
This is French comfort food at its best, simplified for modern kitchens.
What Is Coq au Vin?
Coq au vin literally translates to “rooster in wine,” a dish that originated as a way to tenderize tougher cuts of poultry through slow braising. Over time, it evolved into a beloved French classic traditionally made with chicken, red wine (often Burgundy), mushrooms, onions, bacon, and herbs.
The beauty of coq au vin lies in its balance: savory, earthy, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic. The wine reduces into a silky sauce, the bacon adds smokiness, and the herbs tie everything together.
This slow cooker version honors that tradition while removing the fuss.
Why the Slow Cooker Version Works So Well
Using a slow cooker for coq au vin is a natural fit. The long, gentle cooking time allows the wine to mellow, the chicken to become incredibly tender, and the flavors to meld seamlessly.
Benefits of the slow cooker method:
- Hands-off cooking
- Deeper flavor development
- Foolproof tenderness
- Perfect for entertaining or make-ahead meals
You get restaurant-quality results with everyday effort.
Ingredients
- Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks
- Bacon, chopped
- Pearl onions (fresh or frozen)
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato paste
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir works well)
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaf
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Season chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer bacon to slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, brown chicken on both sides (no need to cook through). Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add mushrooms and pearl onions to the skillet and sauté briefly.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to coat.
- Slowly add red wine and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Pour mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add thyme and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Coq au Vin
Use bone-in chicken
Bone-in pieces stay juicier and add more flavor to the sauce.
Don’t skip browning
Searing the chicken and vegetables adds depth and richness to the final dish.
Choose a wine you’d drink
You don’t need an expensive bottle, but good wine makes a noticeable difference.
Let it rest before serving
The sauce thickens slightly as it sits, becoming even more luxurious.
Easy Variations
Creamy Coq au Vin
Stir in a splash of cream just before serving for a richer finish.
Vegetable-Heavy Version
Add carrots or celery for extra heartiness.
White Wine Version
Swap red wine for dry white wine for a lighter twist.
Gluten-Free Option
Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.
What to Serve with Coq au Vin
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce:
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crusty French bread
- Creamy polenta
- Steamed green beans
A simple green salad completes the meal perfectly.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Coq au vin tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months, making it ideal for batch cooking.
Slow Cooker Coq au Vin
Classic French chicken braised in red wine, made easy in the slow cooker for rich, comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook bacon until crispy and transfer to slow cooker.
- Brown chicken and add to slow cooker.
- Sauté vegetables, add flour, wine, and broth.
- Pour mixture over chicken, add herbs.
- Cook until chicken is tender and sauce is rich.
Notes
Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
This Slow Cooker Coq au Vin delivers everything you want from classic French cooking—depth, comfort, and elegance—without complicated steps or constant attention. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for guests yet cozy enough for a quiet night at home.
If you’ve ever wanted to try French cooking but felt intimidated, this recipe is the perfect place to start.
