Classic Coq au Vin Recipe
Coq au Vin is a traditional French dish where chicken is slowly braised in red wine along with bacon, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. This classic recipe is comforting, hearty, and perfect for a cozy night in. With layers of deep flavor, it’s a dish that truly impresses yet is easier to make than you might think.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups red wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 ounces button mushrooms, halved
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken in the bacon drippings, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the red wine, chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add the mushrooms. Cover and simmer on low heat for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour and butter to form a paste (beurre manié). Stir it into the skillet to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Tips
For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the red wine for a few hours before cooking. You can also substitute the red wine with white wine for a Coq au Vin Blanc version.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken? Yes, but be careful not to overcook as chicken breasts can become dry.
- What wine is best for Coq au Vin? Use a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot. The quality of the wine matters, but it doesn’t need to be expensive.
- Can I make Coq au Vin ahead of time? Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- What should I serve with Coq au Vin? Serve it with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
This classic Coq au Vin recipe is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Rich and hearty, with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a deep red wine sauce, it’s sure to impress. Serve it over your favorite starch for a complete and satisfying meal that will transport you to the heart of France!
