You may think this Bored of Lunch Slow cooker Coq Au Vin Chicken Pot Roast is a colder-month staple, actually, it’s perfect all year round, made with chicken, bacon, mushrooms, carrots, and garlic.

To make Coq Au Vin Chicken Pot Roast in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply start by sautéing the bacon, then add the chicken and all other ingredients except the gravy granules. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, finishing under a grill to crisp the chicken skin.

This dish became a go-to for me during a warm summer when I needed a comforting meal that wasn’t too heavy. It was wonderfully satisfying without being too rich.

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Can I Use Boneless Chicken in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but be aware that cooking times may need to be adjusted. Boneless pieces typically cook faster than bone-in cuts, so monitor the chicken to prevent it from drying out.

Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin Chicken Pot Roast Ingredients

• 2 smoked bacon medallions, chopped
• 1 tsp of half-fat butter
• 1 medium chicken (approximately 1.2 kg)
• 1 red wine stock pot or a splash of red wine
• 400 ml of beef stock
• 2 shallots, sliced
• 250 g of whole button mushrooms
• 5 cloves of garlic, peeled and left whole
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 1 tbsp of tomato purée
• 2 tbsp of gravy granules
• Cooked peas and greens of your choice, plus (optional) mashed potatoes, to serve

How To Make Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin Chicken Pot Roast

1. Prepare the bacon: Using kitchen scissors, finely chop the bacon medallions and set aside for later use.
2. Cook the bacon: In a medium frying pan over medium heat, melt the half-fat butter and sauté the chopped bacon for 2 minutes until it begins to crisp, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine the ingredients: Transfer the sautéed bacon to the slow cooker, adding the whole chicken, beef stock, red wine stock pot or a splash of red wine, sliced shallots, whole button mushrooms, whole garlic cloves, and chopped carrots.
4. Add herbs and purée: Evenly distribute the thyme and rosemary sprigs throughout the cooker, then spoon the tomato purée over the chicken and vegetables to enrich the flavor.
5. Set to cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well blended.
6. Crisp and serve: Stir in the gravy granules to thicken the sauce, then place the ovenproof slow-cooker pot under a preheated grill, without the lid, for 10 minutes to crisp the chicken’s skin. Serve hot with peas and greens, and optionally with mashed potatoes.

What Type of Red Wine Works Best for Coq Au Vin?

A full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon works best for Coq Au Vin, enhancing the deep, rich flavors of the dish. Avoid using sweet wines as they can alter the intended flavor profile.

Recipe Tips

• Optimize the cooking time: To ensure that every component cooks perfectly, check the tenderness of the chicken after 4 hours on high or 7 hours on low, adjusting the time as needed.
• Enhance the flavor: For a deeper flavor profile, consider browning the chicken in the same pan as the bacon before adding it to the slow cooker; this adds a delightful richness.
• Sauce thickening techniques: If the sauce feels too thin after cooking, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in, then let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.
• Balancing the wine taste: If the wine flavor dominates, balance it by adding a spoonful of brown sugar or a dash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the other flavors in the pot.
• Preparation of vegetables: To keep the vegetables from becoming too mushy, add them halfway through the cooking process if you prefer them to retain a bit of crunch.

Recipe Variations

• Change the protein: Swap the chicken for duck or rabbit to create a more traditional, rustic French dish that changes the flavor profile interestingly.
• Vegan adaptation: For a vegan version of this recipe, use thick slices of portobello mushrooms or seitan as your base, and replace the beef stock with vegetable broth.
• Different herb combinations: Experiment with a bouquet garni of bay leaf, parsley, and tarragon for a different herbal note that complements the red wine beautifully.
• Add different vegetables: Introduce turnips or sweet potatoes instead of carrots for a slightly sweeter taste and a vibrant color contrast in your slow cooker.
• Wine variations: Instead of red wine, try using white wine for a lighter version of the sauce that brings a different acidic balance to the dish.

What To Serve With Coq Au Vin Chicken Pot Roast

Serve your Coq Au Vin Chicken with robust, earthy sides like garlic mashed potatoes, Fresh Green Beans, and roasted parsnips.

Include Orange Glazed Carrots and a crisp apple salad for balance and freshness. You can also pair it with buttery polenta, wild rice, or a loaf of crusty bread.

How To Store Leftover Coq Au Vin Chicken Pot Roast

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Coq Au Vin Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before you put it away. This will keep the chicken fresh and tasty for up to 3 days.

In The Freezer:

You can freeze Coq Au Vin Chicken, but I would suggest being cautious due to the changes in texture, especially in the vegetables. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

How To Reheat Leftover Coq Au Vin Chicken Pot Roast

Reheat your leftover Coq Au Vin Chicken Pot Roast by placing it in a covered oven-safe dish. Warm it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes.

For a quicker option, you can microwave it on medium power, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Creamy Paprika Chicken Thighs
• Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken