Cog Au Vin
Cog Au Vin is a hearty French-inspired chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with bacon, mushrooms, pearl onions, and herbs in a flavorful white wine sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, it offers a rich, savory taste with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp, then drain and crumble.
- In a bit of bacon grease, sauté onions and mushrooms until browned, then remove from pan.
- Lightly dredge chicken breasts in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add butter to the frying pan and brown the chicken on all sides.
- Transfer chicken to a casserole dish and sprinkle with crushed garlic, tarragon, thyme, and parsley.
- Add cooked bacon, sautéed onions and mushrooms to the casserole.
- Pour white wine over the ingredients in the casserole.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for one and a half hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken pieces instead of breasts. If you're short on time, pre-sliced mushrooms save preparation. You can also substitute red wine for white for a different taste profile. Adding a splash of brandy before baking can enhance the dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with Grits for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Coq Au Vin with a side of crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. It also works well with rice, making it a versatile choice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Coq Au Vin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cog Au Vin contains roughly 1093 calories, with 59g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (215% of the Daily Value), protein (118% of the Daily Value), and calcium (92% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1083mg per serving (47% 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 make Coq Au Vin ahead of time?
Yes, Coq Au Vin can be made a day in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Just let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, ensuring it's heated through without drying out.
What can I substitute for pearl onions?
If you can't find pearl onions, shallots or diced regular onions can be good substitutes. Use about one medium onion for every 6-8 pearl onions. Alternatively, frozen pearl onions are available and can be used directly without thawing.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the chicken and vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker with the wine and herbs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a tender and flavorful dish.
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).