Coq Au Vin

Posted in Recipe Collections / Favorite Recipes: Thai, Persian, Korean, French, and More
Coq Au Vin
Immerse yourself in the flavors of French country cooking with this classic Coq au Vin recipe. This dish brings together chicken, red wine, and a medley of aromatic vegetables and herbs, simmered slowly to perfection. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a luxurious meal, Coq au Vin is a delightful way to experience the warmth and depth of French cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade:

  • 3 lbs chicken pieces
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 bottle dry red wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1 bouquet garni
  • Salt and pepper

For the Vegetables and Garnishes:

  • 6 oz bacon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup pearl onions
  • 2 cups mushrooms
  • 1 large carrot
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour. In a large Dutch oven, render the bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.

  2. Brown the Chicken: Increase heat to medium-high, add olive oil, and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.

  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic until softened. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

  4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the red wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot, add the bouquet garni, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for about 45 minutes.

  5. Cook Pearl Onions and Mushrooms: In a separate pan, melt butter and add sugar. Add pearl onions and mushrooms, cooking until caramelized. Add to the Dutch oven in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

  6. Serve: Discard the bouquet garni. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve the Coq au Vin hot, garnished with the cooked pearl onions, mushrooms, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Embracing the Essence of French Cuisine

Coq au Vin, with its rich history and robust flavors, is a testament to the beauty of French cooking. This recipe simplifies the classic, without compromising on taste, making it accessible for home cooks looking to bring a touch of French elegance to their table. The key to its depth of flavor lies in the slow cooking process, allowing the wine to infuse the chicken with its complex notes, while the bacon, mushrooms, and pearl onions contribute layers of texture and taste. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as part of a festive celebration, Coq au Vin is a dish that promises warmth, comfort, and culinary delight.

The Art of Choosing the Right Wine

The choice of wine plays a pivotal role in the flavor of Coq au Vin. While traditional recipes call for a Burgundy or Pinot Noir, the key is to use a wine that you would enjoy drinking. A good quality wine contributes to the depth and richness of the sauce, enveloping the chicken in a bouquet of flavors that’s both intricate and inviting.

Perfect Pairings for a Memorable Meal

To complement the robust flavors of Coq au Vin, consider serving it with sides that can absorb the delicious sauce. Light, fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a crusty baguette are perfect for ensuring not a drop of the rich sauce goes to waste. A side of sautéed green beans or a crisp salad dressed in a light vinaigrette can add a fresh contrast to the meal.

Making Coq au Vin Your Own

While the traditional recipe is time-honored, don’t be afraid to add your personal touch. Experiment with adding different root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for added sweetness and texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, though the dark meat traditionally offers more flavor and tenderness.

A Dish Wrapped in History

Coq au Vin’s roots stretch deep into French culinary tradition, originally devised as a way to tenderize tough roosters through slow cooking in wine. Today, it stands as a symbol of French comfort food, embodying the country’s knack for turning simple ingredients into exquisite meals. Preparing Coq au Vin is not just about following a recipe; it’s about partaking in a culinary tradition that has been savored through generations.

Celebrate with Coq au Vin

There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy Coq au Vin, yet its rich flavors and elegant presentation make it an excellent choice for celebrations. Whether you’re marking a milestone, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress, offering a taste of French sophistication right at your table.

Embrace the warmth and complexity of Coq au Vin, and let it be a bridge to exploring more of the refined, rustic flavors that French cuisine has to offer. Each bite is a reminder of the power of good food to comfort, delight, and bring people together.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Servings Per Recipe: 6
  • Calories: 650

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 35gg (45% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 10gg (50% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 140mgmg (47% DV)
  • Sodium: 710mgmg (31% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20gg (7% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2gg (7% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 6gg
  • Protein: 50gg

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.