Coq au Vin is a traditional French dish that typically includes cut-up chicken, smoked meat, wine, and herbs. The chicken is braised to make it tender and delicious. I love taking the same flavors and throwing them into my slow cooker for a simple, no-fuss dinner that is tasty enough for company!
Whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tsp minced fresh thyme
½ tsp chopped fresh sage
1½ cups pearl onions, outer skins removed
1 cup sliced white button mushrooms
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 slices bacon, chopped, cooked until browned but not too crisp
1/3 cup red wine
1 cup chicken broth
¼ cup tomato paste
Serves 4
Place the chicken in a slow cooker. Remember to remove any unmentionables from the cavity first.
Sprinkle the chicken with the sea salt, pepper, thyme, and sage.
Place the onions, mushrooms, garlic, and bacon on and around the chicken.
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
