Introduction
Indulge in a sumptuous dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, juicy chicken thighs, and earthy mushrooms, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests, delivering deliciously tender meat infused with deep, savory notes. Enjoy a hearty meal that is not only easy to prepare but also packed with irresistible flavor.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, halved
3 shallots, quartered
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
1 cup chicken stock
3 carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into thirds
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
This recipe ensures a delightful culinary experience with every bite. Follow the steps meticulously to achieve perfectly cooked chicken thighs and a rich, delectable sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to the high sauté setting. Add diced bacon and cook until brown and crispy, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Season chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Working in batches, add chicken to the pot, skin-side down, and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the halved cremini mushrooms and quartered shallots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Tomato Paste
Stir in all-purpose flour and tomato paste, cooking until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Return Chicken
Stir in dry red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Then stir in chicken stock, carrots cut into thirds, and fresh thyme. Return the seared chicken to the pot, skin-side up, along with any accumulated juices.
Step 6: Pressure Cook the Dish
Select the manual setting; adjust the pressure to high and set the timer for 15 minutes. Once cooking is finished, perform a quick-release of pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set aside. Select the high sauté setting and cook until the sauce has reduced and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Return the chicken to the pot after thickening.
Step 8: Serve the Dish
Serve immediately, garnished with the crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Wine Selection
For the best flavor, choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking, as it will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for balance.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method in which food is cooked quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, diced bacon is sautéed until crispy, infusing the dish with flavor. Chicken thighs are also sautéed to achieve a golden-brown crust, enhancing their texture and taste.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking involves preparing food in a sealed pot that cooks quickly under high pressure. In this recipe, after browning the meat and vegetables, the chicken is cooked in the Instant Pot under high pressure to ensure tender and juicy results while saving time.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the technique of adding liquid to a pan to loosen and dissolve flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. After sautéing the vegetables, wine is added to the pot, which helps lift these bits, enhancing the aroma and depth of flavor in the sauce.
Reducing
Reducing is a cooking technique where liquid is simmered until it thickens and intensifies in flavor. After removing the chicken, the sauce is cooked further to concentrate the flavors, resulting in a rich and savory sauce to accompany the dish.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the art of adding ingredients to enhance the visual appeal or flavor of a dish. In this recipe, crispy bacon and chopped parsley are used as garnishes, adding texture and a pop of color to the final presentation.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted as they cook faster than bone-in thighs.
What can I substitute for dry red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken stock or grape juice mixed with a little vinegar to provide acidity.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a regular pot. You would need to brown the ingredients as per the instructions and then simmer on low heat until the chicken is cooked through, which may take longer.
What vegetables could I add to this recipe?
You can add other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or green beans according to your preference. Just ensure that they are cut into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This hearty dish, featuring succulent chicken thighs, flavorful bacon, and rich vegetables, creates a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. The combination of red wine, chicken stock, and fresh herbs elevates the flavors, making it a dish that will satisfy both family and guests alike. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete dining experience.
Hearty Beef Stew
Use beef chunks in place of chicken thighs, add potatoes and peas for a classic stew that’s perfect for cold days.
Vegetarian Mushroom Risotto
Replace chicken and bacon with arborio rice, vegetable broth, and roast the cremini mushrooms with garlic and shallots for a creamy risotto.
Pasta Primavera
Incorporate seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus along with a light garlic and wine sauce to create a vibrant pasta dish.
Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry
Use chicken thighs with fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas in a quick stir-fry sauce made from soy sauce and garlic for a fast meal.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix cooked rice with sautéed bacon, chicken, and vegetables, then stuff into halved bell peppers and bake for a nutritious and colorful dish.
