Coq au Vin

Coq au Vin is a quintessential French dish that beautifully marries the rustic flavors of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs with the richness of red wine. This dish, whose name translates to “rooster in wine,” is a staple of traditional French cuisine, particularly in the Burgundy region, where it is believed to have originated. Coq au Vin is a slow-braised comfort food that brings together the simplicity of farm ingredients and the sophistication of French technique.

The heart of Coq au Vin lies in the braising process, where chicken—often a rooster, though modern recipes commonly use chicken thighs or legs—is simmered in red wine, typically a full-bodied Burgundy wine, along with aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and garlic. The wine infuses the meat with deep flavors, creating a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dish also incorporates mushrooms, pearl onions, and sometimes bacon or lardons, which add layers of savory depth and texture.

Herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley are added to the pot, infusing the sauce with fragrant aromas that elevate the dish. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld and develop, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the chicken. The final result is a comforting, hearty meal that is as satisfying as it is flavorful.

Coq au Vin is traditionally served with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, making it the ideal meal for a leisurely dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of the same red wine used in cooking, enhancing the overall experience.

This dish is a beautiful example of French country cooking at its best—simple yet refined, bold yet comforting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of France, Coq au Vin is sure to deliver a rich and memorable meal. Perfect for special occasions!

Coq au Vin

3.69 from 69 votes

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and lardons.

Servings 1 people

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 3 lbs chicken cut into pieces
• 4 oz lardons or thick bacon, diced
• 1 bottle red wine preferably Burgundy
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz mushrooms sliced
• 1 onion large, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 bunch thyme fresh
• 2 bay leaves
• to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

 

• In a large Dutch oven, cook the lardons or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them in the same pot with the bacon fat. Remove and set aside.
• Add the onions and mushrooms to the pot, cooking until softened. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute.
• Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to coat the vegetables, and cook for 2 minutes.
• Slowly pour in the wine and chicken broth, deglazing the pot by scraping up the browned bits from the bottom.
• Add the chicken back to the pot along with the cooked bacon, thyme, and bay leaves. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken is tender.
• Remove the thyme and bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 65gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 4mg

Calories: 600kcal

Meal Type: Dinner

Cuisine: French

Keyword: chicken dishes, Coq au Vin, French cuisine

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: >45 Min

Level: Easy

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