Instant Pot Coq Au Vin: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Instant Pot Coq Au Vin: Imagine tender chicken, braised to perfection in a rich, wine-infused sauce, all achieved with the speed and convenience of your Instant Pot. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a culinary journey to the French countryside, simplified for the modern kitchen!

Coq Au Vin, meaning “rooster in wine,” is a classic French dish with roots stretching back centuries. While its exact origins are debated, many believe it was popularized by Julia Child, who brought French cuisine into American homes. Traditionally, it involves a lengthy braising process, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time. But let’s be honest, who always has hours to spend in the kitchen?

That’s where the magic of the Instant Pot comes in! This recipe for Instant Pot Coq Au Vin captures all the depth and complexity of the traditional dish, but in a fraction of the time. People adore Coq Au Vin for its deeply savory flavor, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the chicken, and the comforting warmth it provides. The combination of earthy mushrooms, smoky bacon, and robust red wine creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Plus, with the Instant Pot, clean-up is a breeze, making this elegant dish surprisingly weeknight-friendly. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make version of a timeless classic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
• Bacon: 6 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
• Mushrooms: 1 lb cremini mushrooms, quartered
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• Carrots: 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• Celery: 2 stalks celery, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
• Red Wine: 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir recommended)
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Thyme: 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Bay Leaf: 1 bay leaf
• Pearl Onions: 1 cup frozen pearl onions, thawed
• Brandy: 2 tablespoons (optional, for flambéing)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables

Alright, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our ingredients. This is key to a smooth cooking process, especially when we’re using the Instant Pot.

1. Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to build flavor from the very beginning. Make sure you get both sides of each piece.
2. Dice the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they’ll render their fat, which is what we want for a rich and flavorful base.
3. Prep the Vegetables: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into roughly the same size pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Mince the garlic – you want it to release its flavor quickly. Quarter the cremini mushrooms. If they’re particularly large, you might want to cut them into even smaller pieces.

Searing and Sautéing

Now comes the fun part – building the flavor! Searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables creates a depth of flavor that’s essential for a truly delicious Coq Au Vin.

1. Sauté the Bacon: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the diced bacon to the pot and cook until it’s crispy and has rendered its fat. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sear the Chicken: Add the olive oil to the bacon fat in the Instant Pot. Working in batches, sear the chicken pieces on all sides until they’re nicely browned. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. Remove the seared chicken and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot and sauté until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning.
4. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This will help bloom the tomato paste and release its flavor.
5. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits (fond). This is where a lot of flavor is hiding! Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.

Pressure Cooking

This is where the Instant Pot magic happens! Pressure cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and tenderizes the chicken to perfection.

1. Return the Chicken and Bacon: Add the seared chicken and cooked bacon back to the Instant Pot.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, add the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Gently stir to combine.
3. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 25 minutes.
4. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.

Thickening the Sauce and Finishing Touches

We’re almost there! Now we need to thicken the sauce and add the final touches that will elevate this dish to restaurant-quality.

1. Remove Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the Instant Pot and set them aside.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Select the “Sauté” function again. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a few tablespoons of the hot cooking liquid from the Instant Pot to create a slurry. This will prevent lumps from forming. Pour the slurry into the Instant Pot and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Mushrooms and Pearl Onions: Add the quartered mushrooms and thawed pearl onions to the sauce and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
4. Optional Flambé: This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch of flavor. Turn off the “Sauté” function. Carefully pour the brandy over the sauce (away from any open flames!). Use a long lighter to ignite the brandy. Let the flames burn off (this will only take a few seconds). Be extremely careful when flambéing!
5. Return Chicken to Sauce: Return the chicken pieces to the Instant Pot and gently stir to coat them in the sauce.
6. Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving

Finally, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Coq Au Vin is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

1. Serve: Spoon the Coq Au Vin over your choice of side dish.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips and Variations:

• Wine Choice: While Burgundy or Pinot Noir are traditional, you can use any dry red wine you enjoy. Avoid wines that are too sweet or fruity.
• Chicken Pieces: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces provide the most flavor. Thighs and drumsticks are particularly well-suited for this dish.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as parsnips or turnips, to the mix.
• Make Ahead: Coq Au Vin actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it a day ahead and reheat it before serving.
• Slow Cooker Option: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can also make this dish in a slow cooker. Sear the chicken and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Thicken the sauce as directed in the recipe.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Instant Pot Coq Au Vin recipe as much as I do! It’s a classic dish made easy and accessible with the help of the Instant Pot. Bon appétit!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! My Instant Pot Coq Au Vin recipe – a symphony of rich, comforting flavors that’s surprisingly simple to achieve. I truly believe this is a must-try dish, and here’s why: it takes a classic, traditionally time-consuming recipe and transforms it into a weeknight-friendly masterpiece. The Instant Pot works its magic, infusing the chicken with the deep, complex flavors of red wine, mushrooms, and bacon in a fraction of the time. You get all the deliciousness without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. What’s not to love?

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. While I’ve outlined my favorite way to prepare it, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a heartier meal, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta to soak up all that luscious sauce. Crusty bread is also a must for mopping up every last drop! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try serving it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed asparagus.

And don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients! If you’re not a fan of bacon (though I highly recommend it!), you can substitute pancetta or even leave it out altogether. Different types of mushrooms will also add unique flavor profiles – try a mix of cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a truly gourmet experience. You can also adjust the amount of wine to your liking, depending on how bold you want the flavor to be. A dry Pinot Noir or Burgundy works beautifully, but feel free to experiment with other red wines you enjoy. Just remember to use a good quality wine, as it will significantly impact the final flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Classic Comfort: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta.
• Light and Fresh: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
• Bread is Your Friend: Crusty bread is essential for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Bacon Alternatives: Substitute pancetta or omit for a lighter version.
• Mushroom Medley: Experiment with different types of mushrooms for unique flavors.
• Wine Time: Adjust the amount of wine to your preference, but use a good quality red.
• Herb Power: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.

I’m so excited for you to try this Instant Pot Coq Au Vin recipe! I truly believe it will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or even a potluck with friends. The rich, comforting flavors are sure to impress, and the ease of preparation will make you wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, dust off your Instant Pot, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Please, please, please come back and leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!