Brittany Coq Au Vin
Brittany Coq Au Vin features tender chicken simmered in red wine with prunes, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, offering rich flavors perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 broiler/fryer chicken, cut in pieces ⓘ
- 1 stick butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 large onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cognac or brandy ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 cups red wine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
- pinch of thyme ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 24 pre-soaked prunes ⓘ
- 1 pound mushrooms ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the chicken pieces in butter or margarine, adding more butter if needed.
- Add sliced onion and chopped garlic to the chicken.
- Pour cognac over the chicken and heat until just warm.
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture, then stir to combine.
- Pour water and red wine over the chicken to cover.
- Add thyme, bay leaf, and pre-soaked prunes.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes.
- During the last 15 minutes, add mushrooms, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve with French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in red wine overnight. If you're out of cognac or brandy, white wine or even apple cider can serve as a suitable substitute. For a twist, you might add a few sprigs of thyme in addition to the pinch specified. If using fresh mushrooms, ensure they are cleaned properly to avoid any grit in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Coq Au Vin with crusty French bread to soak up the rich sauce. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles complements the dish beautifully. For a fresh contrast, consider a simple green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of the same red wine used in cooking.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating in the microwave to preserve the texture of the chicken and mushrooms.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brittany Coq Au Vin contains roughly 3154 calories, with 52g protein, 289g carbohydrates, and 204g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (163% of the Daily Value), protein (104% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will yield a more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through compared to breast meat.
Is it necessary to soak the prunes?
Soaking the prunes helps to plump them up and enhances their sweetness, adding a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the dish. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but soaking is recommended for the best texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Coq Au Vin can be made a day in advance, as the flavors develop even further overnight. Just reheat gently before serving, and it will taste even better the next day, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).