French Coq Au Vin Chicken Recipe: A Timeless Classic
Updated: Nov 15
The irresistible aroma of this classic dish transports you straight to the heart of France!
By HomeFindss Kitchen
French Coq Au Vin is a traditional dish that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent and flavorful masterpiece. Braised in red wine, with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and smoky bacon, this recipe is the perfect way to bring the essence of French cuisine to your table. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving comfort food, this Coq Au Vin recipe is a must-try.
French Coq Au Vin Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken: 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces) or 8 bone-in chicken thighs.
Red wine: 2 cups of full-bodied wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir.
Bacon lardons: 6 ounces, diced.
Mushrooms: 8 ounces, quartered.
Pearl onions: 12, peeled.
Carrots: 2, sliced.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
For Flavor
Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons.
Chicken broth: 1 cup.
Thyme sprigs: 3.
Bay leaf: 1.
Salt and black pepper: To taste.
Flour: 2 tablespoons (for thickening).
Butter: 2 tablespoons.
Directions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, red wine, thyme, and garlic.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight for deeper flavour.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry. Reserve the marinade.
Cook the bacon lardons in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken in the bacon fat until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
Add mushrooms, pearl onions, and carrots to the pot. Sauté until softened.
Stir in tomato paste and sprinkle flour evenly over the mixture, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
5. Deglaze and Simmer
Slowly pour in the reserved wine marinade and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pot.
Add thyme, bay leaf, and cooked bacon. Return the chicken to the pot.
6. Braise the Chicken
Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
7. Finish with Butter
Stir in butter for a glossy finish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper..
This French-inspired chicken recipe pairs beautifully with:
Creamy mashed potatoes.
Buttered egg noodles.
Crusty French baguette.
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Tips
Wine Choice: Use a high-quality red wine you enjoy drinking for the best results.
Make Ahead: Coq Au Vin tastes even better the next day as the flavours meld together.
Dutch Oven: Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking and to lock in moisture.
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