Coq Au Vin
Coq Au Vin is a classic French dish featuring tender chicken slow-cooked in rich red wine with mushrooms, onions, bacon, and herbs. Its deep, savory flavors make it perfect for comforting dinners and special occasions, appealing to lovers of hearty, flavorful stews and rustic cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb. broiler-fryer chicken, quartered ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 8 small white onions, peeled ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup canned condensed chicken broth, undiluted
- Chopped parsley ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon, diced ⓘ
- 8 whole mushrooms ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
- 2.5 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 2 cups Burgundy wine ⓘ
- 8 small new potatoes, scrubbed ⓘ
- 3 whole chicken breasts, boned, halved, and skinned ⓘ
- Salt, pepper, and garlic (additional for seasoning)
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped shallots or onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, reserving some flour for later use.
- Saute the chicken in 3 tablespoons of butter until browned.
- Transfer the browned chicken to a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- In the same pan, cook diced bacon until crispy.
- Add the small white onions, garlic, and cook until onions are golden.
- Add sliced green onions, mushrooms, and cook until tender.
- Pour in Burgundy wine and chicken broth, then add dried thyme leaves.
- Simmer the mixture to combine flavors.
- Add new potatoes and continue cooking until potatoes are tender.
- In a separate small skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped shallots or onions until soft.
- Stir in flour to make a roux, then add this to the main dish to thicken the sauce.
- Cook until the sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Coq Au Vin, consider marinating the chicken in the Burgundy wine overnight. If you prefer a lighter dish, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture. You can substitute the bacon with pancetta for a different taste. Don't hesitate to add carrots or pearl onions for more texture and flavor, similar to Chicken Fricasse.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Coq Au Vin with crusty French bread to soak up the rich sauce, or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to complement the dish's flavors. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coq Au Vin contains roughly 1228 calories, with 70g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (232% of the Daily Value), protein (141% of the Daily Value), and iron (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 622mg per serving (27% 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, allowing the flavors to meld. Simply store it in the refrigerator after cooling, and reheat it gently before serving. This dish often tastes even better the next day!
Is it necessary to use Burgundy wine?
While Burgundy wine enhances the authenticity of the dish, you can substitute it with any good-quality red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot. The key is to use a wine that you enjoy drinking, as it will influence the dish's flavor.
What can I do with the leftover sauce?
The leftover sauce is delicious and versatile! You can use it to flavor pasta, drizzle over grilled meats, or even as a base for a savory soup. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator along with your leftovers.
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).