Classic Coq au Vin Recipe (French Chicken in Red Wine)
An authentic French dish full of rustic charm and deep flavor
🥘 What is Coq au Vin?
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that translates to “rooster in wine.” Traditionally slow-cooked with chicken (or rooster), red wine, mushrooms, pearl onions, garlic, and herbs, this dish embodies rustic French cooking at its best. It’s rich, hearty, and deeply comforting — perfect for a cozy weekend dinner or special occasion.
🍷 Why You’ll Love This Coq au Vin Recipe
- ✅ Authentic French flavor
- ✅ Uses easy-to-find ingredients
- ✅ Slow-cooked for deep, rich taste
- ✅ Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces) or 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs
- 200g (7 oz) bacon or pancetta, diced
- 250g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced
- 200g (7 oz) pearl onions (or small regular onions)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir preferred)
- 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
🍳 How to Make Traditional Coq au Vin
🔪 Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp oil. Brown chicken pieces on both sides until golden (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
🥓 Step 2: Cook Bacon and Vegetables
- Add bacon to the same pot and cook until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- In bacon fat, sauté pearl onions and mushrooms for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove and reserve with bacon.
🍅 Step 3: Build the Stew
- Stir tomato paste and flour into the pot and cook for 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour in red wine and chicken stock, scraping the bottom.
- Return chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and onions to the pot.
- Add thyme and bay leaf.
🔥 Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until chicken is tender and sauce thickened.
🥖 Serving Suggestions
Serve your Coq au Vin over creamy mashed potatoes, crusty French bread, buttered noodles, or even polenta. Don’t forget a glass of red wine to complete the experience.
💡 Tips for the Best Coq au Vin
- Wine matters: Use a dry, full-bodied red wine for best flavor.
- Marinate overnight: Optional, but adds depth.
- Thicken sauce: You can reduce the sauce further or add a cornstarch slurry if needed.
❄️ Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
📝 FAQs
Q: Can I make coq au vin in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken first, then add everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
Q: What wine should I use for coq au vin?
A good-quality dry red like Pinot Noir or Burgundy. Avoid sweet wines.
📌 More French Recipes to Try
- [Beef Bourguignon Recipe]
- [French Onion Soup]
- [Ratatouille]
- [Crème Brûlée]
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