Coq au Vin is a classic French dish featuring tender chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, and aromatic herbs. This rich and comforting meal is perfect for cozy dinners and showcases the depth of traditional French cuisine.
📝 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces) or 1.5 kg chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 100g bacon (diced)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 250g mushrooms (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons flour
For the Sauce:
- 750ml red wine (preferably Burgundy)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and sear chicken until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Base:
- In the same pot, cook diced bacon until crispy.
- Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms, cooking until soft.
- Stir in flour to create a light roux.
3️⃣ Braise the Chicken:
- Return chicken to the pot.
- Add red wine, chicken broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5–2 hours until the chicken is tender.
4️⃣ Serve:
- Remove bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve with crusty French bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
✅ Pros:
- Rich, deep flavors from slow cooking
- A true French classic perfect for special occasions
- Can be made ahead for better flavor development
❌ Cons:
- Requires a long cooking time
- Needs good-quality wine for the best results