Indulge in the rich flavors of Coq au Vin, a traditional French dish that promises warmth and satisfaction!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍗 Tender Chicken – Braised chicken cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce.
🍷 Rich Wine Flavor – Infused with red wine, herbs, and aromatic vegetables.
⏳ Slow-Cooked Goodness – Simmered for hours to enhance the depth of flavors.
🥖 Perfect for Sharing – A comforting dish ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
What Is Coq au Vin?
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that translates to "rooster in wine." Traditionally, it features chicken braised slowly with red wine, mushrooms, onions, bacon, and herbs, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal that embodies the essence of French cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
✅ 4-6 pieces of bone-in, skin-on chicken (legs and thighs work well)
✅ 4 oz (115g) bacon or lardons, chopped
✅ 1 medium onion, chopped
✅ 2 carrots, sliced
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 2 cups (500ml) red wine (preferably Burgundy)
✅ 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth
✅ 1 tbsp tomato paste
✅ 1 bay leaf
✅ 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
✅ 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, quartered
✅ Salt and black pepper, to taste
✅ 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE COQ AU VIN (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
🔸 Prepare the Chicken
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
🔸 Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In the same pot, brown the chicken in the bacon fat over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
🔸 Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
🔸 Add the Wine and Broth
Pour in the red wine and chicken broth. Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
🔸 Simmer and Cook
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
🔸 Add the Mushrooms
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the quartered mushrooms to the pot.
🔸 Serve & Enjoy
Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Serving Suggestions
🥖 With Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
🥔 With Mashed Potatoes – A comforting side that complements the dish.
🍷 With a Glass of Red Wine – Enhance the meal with a glass of the same wine used in cooking.
Pro Tips for the Best Coq au Vin
✔️ Choose Quality Wine – Use a good-quality red wine for the best flavor.
✔️ Marinate the Chicken – For deeper flavors, consider marinating the chicken in wine overnight.
✔️ Let It Rest – Allow the dish to sit for a bit after cooking to enhance the flavors.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
🔹 Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead?
While you can, bone-in, skin-on cuts provide more flavor and moisture.
🔹 Can I Make Coq au Vin Ahead of Time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance.
🔹 Can I Freeze Coq au Vin?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts 🍷
Coq au Vin is more than just a meal — it's a journey to the French countryside. With its tender chicken, rich red wine sauce, and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Give it a try and taste a timeless French tradition!
Want More?
Fell in love with French food? Discover more French Recipes and bring the romance of France to your dinner table!
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