Description
This Easy Coq Au Vin recipe simplifies the classic French dish, featuring chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, bacon, and herbs. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests!
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a whole cut-up chicken)
- Red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
- Bacon or pancetta
- Small onions or pearl onions
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Tomato paste
- Flour
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Fresh thyme
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Chop the bacon into small pieces and slice the mushrooms and carrots.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In the rendered bacon fat, brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onions, mushrooms, and carrots. Cook until they soften slightly. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the Chicken Back: Return the chicken and bacon to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Simmer: Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix butter and flour to create a paste. Stir this into the sauce and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves and serve hot with your choice of accompaniment.
Notes
- White Wine Alternative: Substitute red wine with white wine for a lighter variation known as Coq Au Vin Blanc.
- Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms and root vegetables instead of chicken, with vegetable broth replacing the chicken broth.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the ingredients first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Different Proteins: Try using duck or turkey for a unique twist on the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: braising
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Coq Au Vin, French chicken stew, braised chicken, red wine chicken, easy French recipes