Coq au Vin

If you’re planning a special dinner, coq au vin is a wonderful choice. This rich and tasty French recipe combines chicken, wine, and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that’s both comforting and impressive for any occasion.

So, whether you are looking for a recipe that works as a casual dinner or for something a little fancier, this easy coq au vin recipe is sure to become a fast favorite.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

Coq au vin works so well due to its humble yet flavorful ingredients and its comforting, soul-warming nature.

The dish starts with a simple list of traditional coq au vin ingredients, such as chicken, wine, mushrooms, carrots, and bacon. That simplicity translates to a comforting dish that feels both rustic and refined. This coq au vin dinner will fill the kitchen with enticing aromas as it simmers, promising a meal that warms both body and soul.

Served with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes, it offers a complete, comforting meal that brings people together around the table.

Ingredients

Chicken:

For the best coq au vin, use a whole chicken cut into pieces or opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks. These cuts are ideal because they stay moist during long cooking times and add rich flavor to the dish. Chicken thighs and drumsticks also have more connective tissue, which breaks down and adds to the sauce's depth. While chicken breasts can be used, they may dry out more quickly, so they are less preferred for this traditional recipe.

Seasonings:

While this easy coq au vin recipe keeps the seasoning simple, using only salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, garlic, and a bay leaf, you can experiment with other seasonings. Rosemary, parsley, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and coriander seeds are popular options that can complement the traditional flavors of the dish.

Wine:

The best wine for coq au vin is a good-quality Burgundy or Pinot Noir, which adds depth and richness to the dish. If wine isn't preferred, you can substitute it with a combination of chicken stock and grape juice or cranberry juice for a similar depth of flavor. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can also help mimic the acidity of wine.

Bacon:

Bacon is used in coq au vin for its smoky, rich flavor and fat, which enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish. If you need a substitute, pancetta is a great alternative, offering a similar flavor profile. For a non-pork option, smoked turkey bacon or beef bacon can be used, though they might alter the taste slightly.

Vegetables:

Traditionally, coq au vin includes mushrooms, onions (often pearl onions), and sometimes carrots. Additionally, potatoes can be added for a heartier dish. Other vegetables that can be added include celery, leeks, turnips, or even parsnips, which can enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.

Flour:

Flour is used as a thickening agent. However, cornstarch is also a suitable alternative that is also gluten-free. 

Butter:

It just isn't French cuisine if it's not cooked in butter and plenty of it. Butter plays an important part in giving this dish its rich and indulgent nature. However, if you want to use something else, olive oil or vegan butter will work best.

Garlic:

Garlic is added to deepen the flavor profile of the dish, but it is completely optional in a classic French cow au vin.

How to Make Coq au Vin

Step One: 

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Step Two: 

Transfer the chicken to a large bowl or container and add bay leaf, thyme, oregano, and wine. Stir to incorporate, cover with plastic wrap, and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour but up to overnight.

Step Three: 

Once sufficiently marinated, remove the chicken, pat it dry, and set it aside.

Step Four:

Transfer the remaining marinade to a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step Five: 

In another pot or a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat.

Step Six: 

Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. Once browned, remove from the pot and set aside.

Step Seven: 

Next, add the bacon to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove it and set aside.

Step Eight: 

Add the mushrooms to the pot and cook for 4-6 minutes until caramelized.

Step Nine: 

Use the butter to deglaze the pot then add the garlic and cook until aromatic.

Step Ten: 

Whisk in the flour to create a roux and allow it to cook for 1 minute.

Step Eleven: 

Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and the red wine marinade.

Step Twelve: 

Add the chicken back into the pot along with the bacon, mushrooms, carrots, and potatoes, and stir to incorporate.

Step Thirteen: 

Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the chicken is tender and falls off the bone.

Step Fourteen: 

Serve topped with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Tips

• After removing from the heat, allow the coq au vin to rest for a few minutes before serving. This lets the flavors settle and meld together.
• This classic French coq au vin tastes even better the next day. To avoid overcooking the chicken, reheat gently at a low temperature on the stove.

What to Serve With Coq au Vin

When considering what to serve with coq au vin, try pairing it with classic French sides that complement its rich, savory flavors. Crusty French bread is a perfect choice, ideal for soaking up the flavorful wine sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or rosemary roasted potatoes make for excellent accompaniments, providing a comforting base that balances the robust taste of the dish.

For a lighter option, serve coq au vin with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, which adds a refreshing contrast. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, also pair well, offering a nutritious and colorful addition to the meal.

FAQs

What is coq au vin?

Coq au vin is a classic French dish where chicken is braised in red wine along with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and sometimes garlic.

What can I use to thicken the coq au vin sauce?

If the sauce is still too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a bit at the end to cook off any excess moisture, or you can use a cornstarch slurry but only add a little bit at a time as too much can result in a bland coq au vin dinner

Can I use a slow cooker to make coq au vin?

Yes, you can adapt coq au vin for a slow cooker. First, sear the chicken and cook the bacon and mushrooms. Then, combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

What's the best way to store leftover coq au vin?

Leftover coq au vin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If longer-term storage is required, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.

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