Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin with Vegetables

• 1 Slow Cooker Veggie Kit
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tbsp The Fresh Market Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp The Fresh Market Unsalted Butter
• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 jar Coq Au Vin Simmering Sauce
• 1 c water or The Fresh Market Chicken Stock
• 1 box rice pilaf
• fresh parsley, chopped

Slow Cooker Veggie Kit

• 2 red potatoes, cubed
• 1 white onion, cubed
• 3 celery spears, cubed
• 1 c baby peeled carrots
• 1 c baby bella mushrooms, quartered
• 4 Bay Leaves

Place veggie kit in slow cooker and turn heat to high. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Heat oil and butter in large sauté pan over medium high heat until it shimmers, about 5 minutes. If oil begins to smoke, remove from heat to cool down slightly. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, to taste. Add chicken to pan and sear until they are a golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken and any juices to slow cooker on top of veggies.

Pour 1 jar Coq Au Vin Simmering Sauce and water or chicken stock over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours or high for 1 ½-2 ½ hours, or until chicken pulls apart easily and vegetables are fork tender. Meanwhile, cook rice pilaf to package instructions.

To serve, discard bay leaf. Spoon chicken and veggie mixture over prepared rice pilaf. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.