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 cozy chicken dish transforms weeknight dinners with a rich flavor profile that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in skinless chicken thighs: Tender chicken pieces for best flavor
- 100 g (3.5 oz) thick-cut bacon, diced: Adds savory depth
- 200 g (7 oz) cremini or white mushrooms, quartered: Earthy mushrooms for richness
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds sweetness and texture
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Base flavor for the sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Aromatic enhancement
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Adds umami and color
- 350 ml (1 ½ cups) dry red wine: Classic French flavor component
- 125 ml (½ cup) chicken broth: Builds the sauce liquid
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried): Herbal notes
- 2 bay leaves: Adds complexity
- ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste): Seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper: For gentle heat
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness to sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening): For sauce thickness
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Fresh finishing touch
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Set the Instant Pot to Saute 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 Saute for 4 to 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 Saute 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 Saute Whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce Simmer until thickened 2 to 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 Gathering around the table to enjoy this savory chicken dish has become a cherished family tradition especially on chilly evenings.
Required Tools
Instant Pot (6-quart or larger), Tongs, Wooden spoon or spatula, Cutting board and knife, Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry if using)
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (butter) Bacon may contain traces of gluten depending on processing always check labels
Nutritional Information
Per serving the dish has approximately 420 Calories 20 g Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates and 38 g Protein
Save to Pinterest Serve immediately for the best experience with optional mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Yes, bone-in, skinless thighs are ideal for even cooking and flavor absorption, but bone-in breasts can be substituted if preferred.
- → What wines work best for this dish?
Dry red wines like Pinot Noir or Merlot complement the richness of the chicken and bacon, enhancing the sauce's depth.
- → Is it necessary to brown the chicken first?
Browning adds a caramelized depth to the meat and sauce, but you can skip it for convenience; flavor may be less intense.
- → How can I thicken the sauce if desired?
Stir a cornstarch slurry into the sauce after cooking and simmer briefly until it reaches a silky, thick consistency.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread are classic accompaniments that absorb the flavorful sauce perfectly.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, marinating the chicken in wine and aromatics ahead of time enhances flavor; leftovers reheat well for next-day meals.