Coq Au Vin(Chicken With Wine)
Coq Au Vin is a classic French dish featuring tender chicken slow-cooked in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Rich and flavorful, it pairs well with crusty bread or potatoes, making it perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings that appreciate robust, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb. chicken ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 4 oz. smoked streaky bacon, cubed ⓘ
- 12 baby onions ⓘ
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. mushrooms, quartered ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, crushed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 c. red Burgundy wine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 sprig fresh thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chicken, then cut it into pieces.
- Melt butter in a pan with the salad oil.
- Fry the bacon cubes until golden brown, then remove and drain.
- Fry the chicken pieces until browned on all sides.
- Place the bacon and chicken into an ovenproof casserole dish.
- Fry the baby onions and chopped celery in the pan until soft, then add to the casserole.
- In the same pan, melt a little more butter, add the quartered mushrooms, and cook for 2 minutes, then drain and add to the casserole.
- Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables in the casserole, then pour in the red Burgundy wine and water.
- Add the bay leaf and thyme, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the red wine overnight. You can substitute the smoked bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a lighter option. If baby onions are unavailable, pearl onions work well. To enhance the sauce, add a splash of brandy or cognac before the wine. Pairing it with a crusty baguette can help soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Coq Au Vin with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to complement the rich sauce. A fresh green salad, such as Lemon Salad Supreme, provides a nice contrast. For wine pairings, a glass of red Burgundy or a light-bodied Pinot Noir works beautifully with the dish's flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coq Au Vin(Chicken With Wine) contains roughly 1201 calories, with 25g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1405mg per serving (61% 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?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and will add more flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may cook faster than larger pieces of chicken, ensuring they are tender and juicy.
Is it possible to make Coq Au Vin without wine?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. However, the flavor will be different; consider adding a splash of vinegar or grape juice for acidity to mimic the wine's complexity.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, Coq Au Vin can be made a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavors. Just reheat gently on the stove when ready to serve, ensuring it’s warmed through before plating.
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).