Simplified Coq Au Vin

Browning the bacon, chicken and vegetables before adding to the crock pot creates deep rich flavors in both the chicken and sauce. After the saute, the crock pot does all the work. Serve with a crusty baguette or coucous.

• Ready In: 6 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8  boneless skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds)
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3  tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4  slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3  tablespoons unsalted butter or 3  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 12  ounces white mushrooms or 12  ounces baby portabella mushrooms, quartered
• 2  carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
• 1 1⁄2 cups  merlot red wine
• 2  large fresh thyme sprigs

Directions

1. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper & lightly coat with flour. Set aside.
2. Heat a large non-stick saute pan over medium heat.
3. Add bacon and cook until golden and just crisp, about 3 minutes. Drain bacon on paper towels. Set aside. Discard drippings.
4. Using same saute pan, melt 2 TB butter (or heat oil if using); add chicken and cook until lightly browned, 3 minutes per side. Set chicken aside.
5. Melt remaining 1 TB butter or oil; saute mushrooms until edges begin to brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Add carrots, onions and garlic; cook until vegetables just begin to soften.
7. Transfer vegetables to crock pot. Pour in the broth.
8. Arrange chicken on top. Sprinkle bacon over chicken. Add wine and thyme sprigs.
9. Cover and cook on low 6 to 7 hours. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.