If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that practically cooks itself and bursts with rich, juicy flavor, you’ve just found it. This Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe is my go-to when I want dinner that feels fancy but is so easy to throw together. The slow cooker lets those savory Merlot-soaked chicken drumsticks get tender and fall-off-the-bone delicious over hours of gentle cooking — trust me, it’ll be your new favorite weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Flavor Boost: Merlot wine infuses the chicken with rich depth without any extra work.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just prep, set your slow cooker, and come back to a perfect meal hours later.
- Family Approved: My family goes crazy for the tender, savory drumsticks every single time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easy swaps like chicken breasts or broth work if you need to tweak it your way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe comes from simple, wholesome ingredients that combine beautifully. Shopping tip: look for a decent quality Merlot — it doesn’t have to be expensive but use a bottle you’d enjoy sipping, because it really lifts the flavor.
- Chicken Drumsticks: I love drumsticks here because they stay juicy and get that great fall-off-the-bone texture.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty punch that complements the wine perfectly.
- Carrots: Sweet and sturdy, they hold up well during slow cooking and add lovely color.
- Celery: Brings a subtle, fresh crunch and balances out the richness.
- White Onion: This adds a sweet, savory base flavor once slow-cooked.
- Merlot: The star of the recipe — gives the sauce a smooth, fruity note that’s irresistible.
- Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy backbone to the dish.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy with it, it brings everything together.
- Mushrooms: Earthy and tender, they soak up all those flavors beautifully.
- Oregano, Thyme, Garlic Powder: These herbs add warmth and complexity to the sauce.
Variations
I’m all about customizing recipes to suit what’s in my fridge or my mood, and this Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe is no exception. Feel free to experiment with the veggies or switch to different cuts of chicken to keep it fresh every time.
- Wine Substitutions: I’ve swapped Merlot for a bold red blend or cabernet and loved the results—just pick your favorite bottle.
- No-Wine Option: If you prefer to skip alcohol, chicken broth works beautifully and keeps things just as flavorful.
- Extra Veggies: Adding zucchini, colorful bell peppers, or spinach in the last 30 minutes brightens the dish and pumps up nutrition.
- Chicken Cuts: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs are great alternatives if you’re not a drumstick fan or want faster cooking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Seasonings
Start by adding your sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, mushrooms, and all the herbs and seasonings directly into the slow cooker. This makes a flavorful bed for your chicken to soak up all those juices while cooking. I always give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the spices before moving on.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon and Brown the Chicken
Next, set a large skillet to medium-high heat and cook the sliced bacon until crispy. This step is a game-changer—bacon fat adds incredible depth to the dish. After crisping, remove the bacon and drain most of the grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons to brown your chicken. Browning the drumsticks adds caramelized flavor that you’ll really notice in the final dish.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Mix the cooked bacon into the vegetables, then pour in the Merlot and tomato sauce. Give it a gentle stir, then nestle your browned chicken drumsticks right into the sauce and veggies. This layering keeps the chicken juicy while soaking up all the savory goodness from the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Cover and set your slow cooker on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. This slow magic is what makes your chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender. Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking—it lets all that warmth and flavor build up perfectly. When it’s done, your kitchen will smell incredible, and the chicken will be fall-apart ready.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe
- Browning is Worth the Effort: Taking the time to sear chicken and crisp bacon adds layers of flavor you won’t get otherwise.
- Choose Your Wine Wisely: Avoid cooking wines or overly sweet bottles—the best results come from a decent drinking Merlot.
- Layer Flavors Thoughtfully: Adding veggies and seasoning first gives depth and prevents the chicken from sitting in a thin sauce.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your slow cooker timing—overcooked chicken can dry out even in moist conditions.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top—it adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich sauce perfectly. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan can’t hurt either, especially when serving with pasta or mashed potatoes.
Side Dishes
For sides, my go-to is creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta to soak up all that luscious sauce. Roasted green beans or a simple spinach salad keep things fresh and vibrant on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve had guests over, I sometimes plate this with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a little surprise flair. Serving it in rustic bowls alongside crusty bread turns dinner into a cozy celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I often find the next day’s meal even better. Just make sure to keep the sauce with the chicken to avoid dryness.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well — I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce silky without drying out the meat. You can also use your microwave but add a splash of broth or water to keep moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of wine for the Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While Merlot adds a smooth, fruity flavor, you can substitute with other red wines like cabernet Sauvignon or a blend. Just choose a dry red wine you enjoy drinking, as the flavor will shine through the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, chicken broth works well.
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Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
While not mandatory, browning the chicken drumsticks beforehand really elevates the flavor and texture. It creates a tasty crust and seals in juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful during slow cooking. I always recommend this step if you have the time.
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Can I use boneless chicken breast instead of drumsticks?
Yes! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work, but they usually cook faster, so adjust your slow cooker time accordingly to avoid drying them out—about 3 to 4 hours on low should do the trick. Drumsticks just tend to stay juicier with longer cooking times.
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What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Mashed potatoes, polenta, or even creamy risotto are fantastic for soaking up the sauce. Roasted or steamed green veggies like beans or asparagus add refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
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How long can I keep leftovers for this Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe?
Stored properly in the fridge in an airtight container, leftovers will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is best and maintains deliciousness for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe turns out every single time. It’s become a staple in my kitchen for busy nights when I want something comforting yet impressive without spending hours cooking. I promise, once you try it, you’ll look forward to those slow cooker dinners like I do. So grab that bottle of Merlot, prep your ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the magic — you’re going to love the cozy, rich flavors this recipe brings to your table!
Print
Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Merlot Chicken recipe features tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a savory sauce of Merlot wine, tomato sauce, and aromatic vegetables and herbs. The dish is layered with crispy bacon, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and onion, slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Meat
- 2–3 lbs. chicken drumsticks (about 8 drumsticks)
- 8 oz. bacon, sliced before cooking
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery ribs, sliced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
Liquids
- ½ cup Merlot wine
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
Seasonings
- 1½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. oregano
- ½ tsp. dried thyme
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables and seasonings: Add all of the sliced vegetables (carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms) and seasonings (salt, oregano, thyme, garlic powder) to the slow cooker, spreading them evenly.
- Cook bacon: Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add sliced bacon and cook until crisp. Remove bacon from skillet and drain on paper towels. Carefully drain off most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind.
- Brown chicken: Add the chicken drumsticks to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease and brown them on both sides to develop flavor and color, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Add the cooked bacon into the slow cooker. Pour in the Merlot wine and tomato sauce, then stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Add chicken to slow cooker: Nestle the browned chicken drumsticks into the mixture of vegetables, bacon, and sauces in the slow cooker, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Cook chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute Merlot wine with a red blend or cabernet wine for variation.
- If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth makes a great alternative.
- To add more color and nutrition, add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach toward the end of cooking.
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used instead of drumsticks if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 drumsticks with sauce and vegetables)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
