If you’re craving a classic French dish that bursts with rich flavors and comforting warmth, you absolutely have to try this Instant Pot Coq au Vin Recipe. It takes the traditional slow-cooked coq au vin and transforms it into a quick yet deeply satisfying meal using the magic of the Instant Pot. Tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious red wine sauce, earthy mushrooms, sweet pearl onions, and smoky bacon come together harmoniously to create a dish that’s both elegant and easy enough for any weeknight dinner. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple, but each plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor in this Instant Pot Coq au Vin Recipe. From smoky bacon to aromatic thyme and silky mushrooms, every item brings taste, texture, and color to the final dish.
- 6 strips bacon (chopped into small pieces): Adds smoky, savory depth and a bit of crispy texture.
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, tender, and perfect for absorbing all the wonderful sauce flavors.
- 2 large carrots (chopped): Provide subtle sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 10 ounces pearl onions (peeled): Their mellow onion flavor and tender bite complement the rich sauce beautifully.
- 7 ounces button mushrooms (leave them whole): Earthy and meaty, they soak up the wine sauce perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic pungency and depth to the dish.
- 2 cups red wine: The heart of coq au vin, infusing everything with that signature robust, fruity character.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps balance and mellow the wine’s intensity while keeping the sauce luscious.
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste: Adds body, sweetness, and a subtle acidity to deepen the sauce.
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme: Herbal notes that brighten and elevate the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water: Used to create a slurry that thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Instant Pot Coq au Vin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping everything upfront. I find using kitchen shears to chop the bacon makes it so much easier. You can tackle the rest of the veggies and herbs while the bacon is cooking, which saves a ton of time and keeps things moving smoothly.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and toss in the chopped bacon. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until beautifully crispy and fragrant. This step infuses the entire dish with smoky, savory flavor, which is fundamental to a great coq au vin.
Step 3: Remove Excess Bacon Fat
Once the bacon is perfectly crisp, slide it to one side of the pot and carefully spoon out most of the bacon grease. You can discard the fat or save it for cooking other dishes; it’s pure flavor gold. Leaving a little fat behind helps with sautéing the next ingredients.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Add the garlic, red wine, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the pot. Let the mix come to a gentle bubble while scraping the browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon—this not only prevents a burn notice but also ensures all that caramelized flavor is incorporated.
Step 5: Add the Chicken and Vegetables
Now toss in the chicken thighs, chopped carrots, peeled pearl onions, whole mushrooms, and sprigs of fresh thyme. Stir everything gently so it gets evenly coated in that rich sauce. Seal the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is on “sealing”. Set it to cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Release the Pressure
After the timer goes off, be patient and let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes—this helps the chicken stay tender and the flavors meld. Then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the pot. Hit the sauté button again and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remember, the sauce should be luscious but not overly thickened. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
How to Serve Instant Pot Coq au Vin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or additional thyme sprigs add a bright, fresh finish that contrasts exquisitely with the deep flavors of the dish. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper just before serving adds a wonderful visual and flavor pop too.
Side Dishes
This Instant Pot Coq au Vin Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, which act like flavor sponges soaking up every bit of that luscious wine sauce. For a lighter option, roasted green beans or sautéed spinach make a vibrant, nutritious side.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra special presentation, serve the dish in rustic shallow bowls topped with a little fresh herb gremolata or grated parmesan. You can also consider plating over a bed of soft polenta for a comforting twist that changes the texture beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day indulgence.
Freezing
Coq au vin freezes very well. Simply transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain that tender chicken texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help refresh the sauce if it’s thickened up too much. Microwaving works too but stirring halfway helps with even warming.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this Instant Pot Coq au Vin Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs add even more flavor and richness, though cooking times might need a few extra minutes. Just check the chicken for doneness before finishing the sauce.
What type of red wine works best for coq au vin?
Go for a medium-bodied, dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot. These wines offer great balance without overpowering the dish, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
Can this recipe be made without an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt it for the stove or a slow cooker, though it will require longer cooking times. The Instant Pot just speeds everything up without sacrificing flavor.
Is it okay to skip the cornstarch slurry when thickening?
You can skip it if you prefer a thinner sauce. Just let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reduce naturally; the flavor will still be excellent, just lighter in texture.
Can I substitute pearl onions with regular onions?
While pearl onions offer a delicate sweetness and texture perfect for this recipe, chopped yellow onions or shallots can work as a substitute. Just be mindful that they may alter the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Coq au Vin Recipe is such a wonderful way to enjoy a beloved French classic without the fuss and hours of cooking. It delivers deep, hearty flavors and tender chicken in a beautifully rich sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the magic of classic French cooking made effortless!
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Instant Pot Coq au Vin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: French
Description
A classic French dish made easy with the Instant Pot, this Coq au Vin recipe features tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich red wine sauce with bacon, mushrooms, pearl onions, and fresh thyme. Perfect for a cozy dinner that combines hearty flavors with a quick cooking method.
Ingredients
Meat & Protein
- 6 strips bacon, chopped into small pieces
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Vegetables
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 10 ounces pearl onions, peeled
- 7 ounces button mushrooms, whole
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 cups red wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
Herbs & Seasonings
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (mixed together to make slurry)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Prepare all your ingredients by chopping the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears. Peel the pearl onions and chop the carrots. Mince the garlic. Keep the mushrooms whole. You can prepare the remaining ingredients while frying the bacon to save time.
- Cook Bacon: Turn on the Instant Pot and press the sauté button. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Remove Excess Fat: Once the bacon is crispy, push it to one side of the Instant Pot. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the bacon grease and discard it or save for other uses. This step helps reduce excess fat in the dish.
- Deglaze Pot: Add minced garlic, red wine, chicken broth, and tomato paste into the Instant Pot. Allow the mixture to start bubbling and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift browned bits, preventing the burn warning during pressure cooking.
- Add Main Ingredients: Add the chicken thighs, chopped carrots, pearl onions, whole mushrooms, and fresh thyme sprigs to the pot. Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and set the valve to the “sealing” position. Program the pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes to cook the chicken and meld the flavors.
- Release Pressure: When the cooking cycle ends, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. After this, carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the pot and press the sauté button again. Stir the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Using kitchen shears makes chopping bacon easier and safer.
- Removing excess bacon fat prevents the dish from becoming greasy but saving it is great for adding flavor to other recipes.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- The sauce is meant to be slightly thickened but not overly thick, preserving a luxurious texture.
- Make sure to scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot before pressure cooking to avoid burn errors.
