Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Merlot

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Merlot is what happens when comfort food decides to clean up nice. Tender chicken cooks low and slow in a bold Merlot sauce with mushrooms and herbs, giving you big flavor with barely any work.

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Merlot recipe is proof that slow cooker dinners don’t have to be boring or bland.

Chicken simmers all day in a rich Merlot wine sauce with mushrooms, onions, and simple seasonings, turning into a cozy, restaurant-style meal without babysitting the stove.

It’s the kind of dish that smells amazing while it cooks and makes everyone think you tried way harder than you actually did.

Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you want a hearty dinner that feels a little fancy but stays easy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• The slow cooker does all the work while you relax.
• The Merlot sauce turns simple chicken into something special.
• It tastes like a restaurant meal without the price tag.
• Perfect for weeknights but fancy enough for company.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients Needed

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Tender protein that stays juicy while slow cooking
• Salt: Enhances all flavors throughout the dish
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and savory depth
• Onion: Sliced for sweetness and aromatic base
• Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and hearty texture
• Celery: Adds classic savory flavor and balance
• Mushrooms: Soak up sauce and add rich umami
• Garlic: Fresh minced cloves for bold flavor
• Merlot or dry red wine: Creates deep, rich sauce base
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savory backbone
• Tomato paste: Thickens sauce with concentrated flavor
• Worcestershire sauce: Boosts savory depth with subtle tang
• Italian seasoning: Herb blend for classic comfort taste
• Dried thyme: Earthy herb that pairs perfectly with chicken
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce into silky gravy
• Cold water: Helps cornstarch dissolve smoothly
• Butter: Optional finish for extra richness
• Fresh parsley: Bright garnish for fresh color and flavor

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Merlot

Step One: Season the chicken with salt and pepper and arrange it in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step Two: Layer the sliced onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.

Step Three: In a small bowl, whisk together the merlot, chicken broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and thyme. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.

Step Four: Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and full of flavor.

Step Five: Stir the cornstarch and cold water together, then mix it into the slow cooker juices. Cover and cook on High for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the butter if using. Serve the chicken and sauce over mashed potatoes or noodles and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Slow Cooker Chicken Merlot Recipe Tips

• Sear the chicken first if you want deeper flavor, but it’s optional if you’re short on time.
• Use a dry red wine you’d actually drink; cheap cooking wine will make the sauce taste flat.
• Slice the vegetables evenly so everything cooks at the same pace and nothing turns mushy.
• If the sauce seems thin, let it cook uncovered on High for the last 15 minutes to thicken.
• Butter at the end is optional, but it gives the sauce a rich, restaurant-style finish.

Storing Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• This dish freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Merlot Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes. Chicken breasts work fine, but thighs stay juicier during long cooking. If using breasts, check for doneness closer to the minimum cook time.

Do I have to use Merlot? No. Any dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or red cooking wine will work. The key is using something not sweet.

Can I make this without wine? Yes. Replace the wine with extra chicken broth plus a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.

Will the alcohol cook off? Most of it cooks off during the long slow cooking process, leaving behind rich flavor without the sharp alcohol taste.

How do I thicken the sauce more? Use the cornstarch slurry as written and cook uncovered on High for an extra 10-15 minutes if needed.

Can I add potatoes to the slow cooker? Yes. Baby potatoes or diced Yukon golds can be added at the beginning and cooked right in the sauce.

What should I serve with Chicken Merlot? Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Can this recipe be made ahead? Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to settle.

More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

• Easy Slow Cooker Matzo Ball Soup Recipe
• Slow Cooker Pro Garlic Chicken
• Slow Cooker Recipes
• Slow Cooker Pro Peanuts
• Slow Cooker Sweet Baby Rays Chicken
• Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatball

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