Save to Pinterest A modern, one-pot take on the classic French dish, featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, and aromatic vegetables ready in a fraction of the traditional time.
This recipe simplifies an elegant French classic into a fast and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Bone in skinless chicken thighs: 8 pieces
- Thick cut bacon: 100 g (3.5 oz), diced
- Cremini or white mushrooms: 200 g (7 oz), quartered
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced
- Yellow onion: 1 large, diced
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Dry red wine: 350 ml (1 ½ cups)
- Chicken broth: 125 ml (½ cup)
- Fresh thyme leaves: 2 tsp (or 1 tsp dried)
- Bay leaves: 2
- Salt: ½ tsp plus more to taste
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, room temperature
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp optional for thickening
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode Add bacon and cook until crispy about 4 minutes Remove bacon and set aside leaving fat in the pot
- Step 2:
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper In batches brown chicken thighs on both sides about 3 minutes per side Remove and set aside
- Step 3:
- Add onion carrots and mushrooms to the pot Sauté for 4 5 minutes until softened Stir in garlic and tomato paste cook for 1 minute
- Step 4:
- Pour in red wine and chicken broth scraping up browned bits from the bottom Stir in thyme bay leaves and half of the cooked bacon
- Step 5:
- Return chicken thighs to the pot nestling them into the liquid Cancel Sauté mode
- Step 6:
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Pressure Cook (Manual) on high for 15 minutes
- Step 7:
- When done allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes then release remaining pressure
- Step 8:
- Remove chicken and vegetables to a platter Discard bay leaves
- Step 9:
- Optional For a thicker sauce set Instant Pot to Sauté Whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce Simmer until thickened 2 3 minutes Stir in butter for sheen and richness
- Step 10:
- Spoon sauce over chicken and vegetables Garnish with remaining bacon and chopped parsley
Save to Pinterest This recipe always impresses when I serve it to family gatherings making weeknight meals feel special.
Tips for Serving
Serve with mashed potatoes crusty bread or buttered noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
Pancetta can be used instead of bacon and pearl onions can replace diced onions for a traditional touch.
Allergen Info
The recipe contains dairy from butter Bacon may contain traces of gluten depending on processing so check labels for gluten free certification.
Save to Pinterest This Coq au Vin styled chicken is a cozy dinner with rich flavors ready in under an hour.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent chicken thighs from drying out?
Browning the chicken first seals in juices, and cooking it gently in red wine with broth ensures tenderness.
- → Can I substitute bacon with another ingredient?
Pancetta works well as a substitute, offering a similar smoky richness to the sauce.
- → What vegetables best complement this dish?
Carrots, mushrooms, and onions provide depth and balance to the flavors, enhancing the overall experience.
- → Is it possible to thicken the sauce?
Yes, whisk cornstarch with cold water and simmer the sauce briefly to achieve a richer consistency.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles absorb the flavorful sauce perfectly.