Quick Coq Au Vin
Quick Coq Au Vin offers tender chicken thighs in a rich, savory wine sauce with mushrooms, carrots, and bacon—perfect for comforting, flavorful dinners with a French twist.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 6 (4 oz.) skinless boneless chicken thighs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 6 cups quartered crimini or white mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Canadian bacon ⓘ
- 1 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 cup fat-free less-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, thyme, and salt in a zip-top bag; add chicken, seal, and shake to coat.
- Remove chicken from bag and shake off excess flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 8 minutes or until browned, turning frequently.
- Remove chicken from pan.
- Add mushrooms, carrots, and bacon to the pan; sauté 2 minutes.
- Stir in wine, broth, and tomato paste; cook for 9 minutes.
- Return chicken to the pan; cook for 8 minutes or until chicken is done.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Quick Coq Au Vin, consider marinating the chicken in the red wine for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of Canadian bacon, prosciutto or pancetta can be used as substitutes. For a thicker sauce, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and add it to the pan towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Quick Coq Au Vin with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of sautéed green beans or a fresh salad would complement the meal perfectly. This dish pairs beautifully with Mushroom Loaf for a heartier dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Coq Au Vin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well for up to two months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Coq Au Vin contains roughly 960 calories, with 23g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (383% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1468mg per serving (64% 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 bone-in chicken thighs instead of skinless boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. They will take longer to cook through. Braise until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the meat is tender and flavorful.
What type of red wine is best for this dish?
A dry red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot, works best for Coq Au Vin. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor profile of the dish. The wine should be something you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be prominent.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like pearl onions, bell peppers, or even potatoes for added texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.
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).