Coq au vin is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken, red wine, and aromatic herbs. It's a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

But what should you serve alongside this hearty and savory dish?

While a crusty baguette or mashed potatoes may be the first side dishes that come to mind, there are many other delicious and complementary options to consider.

We've got you covered with this collection of the 17 best side dishes to eat with coq au vin.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with coq au vin are mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or green beans almondine for more traditional pairings. For something more creative, try serving braised fennel, morel mushroom and wild rice risotto, or carrot mash with coq au vin.

Now, let’s get cooking!

Sides For Coq au Vin

1. Mashed Potatoes

Coq au vin is a rich and hearty dish that is complimented by the creamy texture of mashed potatoes. The mild flavor of the potatoes won't overpower the complex flavors of coq au vin, allowing the dish to shine on its own.

2. Roasted Vegetable Medley

This medley of roasted vegetables includes potatoes, carrots, and butternut squash and pairs nicely with coq au vin to create a hearty, satisfying, and flavorful meal. The caramelized sweetness of veggies provides a nice contrast to the savory flavors of coq au vin.

3. Rice Pilaf

Adding rice pilaf to serve alongside coq au vin creates a hearty and satisfying meal that is also highly customizable. You can alter the pilaf recipe to add or remove ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste or further enhance the savory flavors of the meal. Garlic, carrots, onion, rosemary, and thyme are all complementary flavors that will elevate the meal.

4. Steamed Broccoli

For a healthy, delicious, and versatile side dish to serve with coq au vin, make sure you don't overlook the simplicity of broccoli. This nutrient-dense vegetable is so quick and easy to make in a variety of ways. Steam, roast, or sautee some broccoli with a little salt and pepper for s simple yet delicious addition to your meal.

5. Roasted Carrots and Potatoes

The earthy and sweet flavors of these roasted potatoes and carrots make it a tasty and comforting side dish that pairs well with the bold and savory flavors of coq au vin. Additionally, the crispy exterior of the potatoes provides a nice textural contrast to the tender chicken.

6. Potatoes au Gratin

Potatoes au gratin is a good side dish to serve with coq au vin because the creamy and cheesy flavors of potatoes au gratin complement the coq au vin. The potatoes provide a neutral base that balances out the bold flavors of the coq au vin, while the rich and creamy cheese sauce adds depth of flavor to the meal.

7. Carrot Mash

Carrot mash is a delicious and satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of different dishes, including coq au vin. It is a unique and unexpected side dish that can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the meal.

8. Roasted Beets

Roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their earthy flavor. This provides a nice contrast to the savory flavors of coq au vin. Also, beets are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy and nutritious addition to any meal.

9. Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a traditional French vegetable stew that complements the rustic and bold flavors of coq au vin. The combination of roasted eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers creates a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the tender chicken in coq au vin.

10. Scalloped Potatoes

These creamy and indulgent scalloped potatoes make an excellent side dish to serve with coq au vin. The ingredients and seasonings can be customized to further enhance the flavors of the coq au vin, plus the various textures of the scalloped potatoes make for an interesting and satisfying meal.

11. Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

The addition of bacon to these roasted Brussels sprouts provides a smoky and savory flavor that adds depth and richness to coq au vin. Additionally, the crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts adds a nice contrast to the tender chicken.

12. Garlicky Spinach

Spinach is a highly nutritious, leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. This makes garlicky spinach a healthy and nutrient-dense side dish to balance out the indulgence of coq au vin.

13. Green Beans Almondine

Green bean almondine is a classic French side dish that pairs well with the traditional flavors of coq au vin. Overall, the crisp-tender texture and nutty and buttery flavors of green bean almondine make it a delicious side dish that complements the bold flavors of coq au vin.

14. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a quick, easy, and flavorful side dish that pairs well with just about anything. The crispy toasted bread offers a good textural contrast to coq au vin. Garlic bread is also a handy and delicious tool that you can use to sop up the extra sauce.

15. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a delicious and healthy side dish that can add a touch of smoky, charred flavor to coq au vin. It's simple, easy to prepare, and can be ready in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick addition to any meal.

16. Braised Fennel

The subtle anise flavor of this braised fennel complements the savory flavors of coq au vin, providing a nice contrast to the rich and hearty nature of the chicken dish. Also, the braising process softens the fibrous texture of the fennel, making it a tender and juicy addition to the dish.

17. Morel Mushroom and Wild Rice Risotto

This morel mushroom and wild rice risotto is a flavorful and hearty side dish that can elevate the rich and hearty nature of coq au vin. The rice absorbs the delicious flavors from the coq au vin, creating a more harmonious and flavorful meal.

Coq au Vin Side Dishes

Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Vegetable Medley
Rice Pilaf
Steamed Broccoli
Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
Potatoes au Gratin
Carrot Mash
Roasted Beets
Ratatouille
Scalloped Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Garlicky Spinach
Green Beans Almondine
Garlic Bread
Grilled Asparagus
Braised Fennel
Morel Mushroom and Wild Rice Risotto