Coq au Vin (Chicken Braised in Red Wine) Recipe

Rate this recipe
Be the first to rate
By Published

Are you looking for a delicious and hearty chicken dish that will impress your dinner guests?

Jump to recipePin it
Coq au Vin (Chicken Braised in Red Wine) Recipe
Total
2 hr 30 min
Servings
4

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

  2. Place the chicken in a 1-gallon zipper-lock bag. Pour in the wine and seal the bag, removing any air. Let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients.

  3. Use a paring knife to trim the ends of each onion and make a light X on one side. Boil a small pot of water and cook the onions until the outer layers are soft, approximately 1 1/2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water, then peel and discard the skins.

  4. In a large Dutch oven or rondeau, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until browned and the fat has rendered, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon.

  5. Remove the chicken from the bag, reserving the wine, and pat it dry. Season with salt and pepper. Return the Dutch oven with the rendered bacon fat to medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the chicken, skin side down, and cook until browned, approximately 7 minutes. Flip and brown the other side for about 5 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet and let it sit at room temperature.

  6. Once all the chicken is browned, add the mushrooms to the Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until browned,

About this recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and hearty chicken dish that will impress your dinner guests? Look no further than Coq au Vin! This classic French recipe features tender chicken braised in red wine, creating a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to please.

What is Coq au Vin?

Coq au Vin, which translates to "rooster in wine," is a traditional French dish that dates back centuries. It originated as a way to tenderize tough rooster meat by slow-cooking it in red wine. Nowadays, the recipe typically calls for chicken instead of rooster, but the cooking method remains the same.

The Secret Ingredient: Red Wine

One of the key components of Coq au Vin is the red wine. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of red wine, herbs, and vegetables, which infuses it with incredible flavor. As the dish cooks, the wine reduces, creating a luscious sauce that coats the chicken.

Choosing the Right Wine

The type of red wine you choose for Coq au Vin can greatly impact the flavor of the dish. It's best to use a dry red wine with good structure and depth of flavor. Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Côtes du Rhône are excellent choices that complement the chicken beautifully.

How to Make Coq au Vin

Making Coq au Vin may sound complicated, but it's actually quite simple. The chicken is first browned in a hot pan to develop a rich caramelized crust. Then, it's simmered in a mixture of red wine, chicken broth, and aromatic vegetables until tender and flavorful.

The Perfect Pairing: Mushrooms and Bacon

In addition to the red wine, Coq au Vin also features mushrooms and bacon, which add depth and complexity to the dish. The mushrooms absorb the flavors of the wine and chicken, while the bacon imparts a smoky and savory note.

Serving Suggestions

Coq au Vin is typically served with crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also accompany it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, red wine, mushrooms, and bacon creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. So why not give this recipe a try and transport yourself to the charming streets of Paris?

Frequently asked questions

Can I use white wine instead of red wine for Coq au Vin?

While red wine is traditionally used in Coq au Vin, you can experiment with white wine if you prefer a lighter flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will alter the overall taste of the dish.

Can I make Coq au Vin in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in Coq au Vin?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for Coq au Vin as they are more flavorful and tender. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I make Coq au Vin without alcohol?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of Coq au Vin by substituting the red wine with grape juice or chicken broth. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still be delicious.

How long does Coq au Vin keep in the refrigerator?

Coq au Vin can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven before serving.

Can I freeze Coq au Vin?

Yes, Coq au Vin can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I make Coq au Vin without mushrooms?

Certainly! If you're not a fan of mushrooms, you can simply omit them from the recipe. The dish will still be delicious and packed with flavor.

Can I make Coq au Vin in advance for a dinner party?

Absolutely! Coq au Vin is a great dish to make in advance as the flavors continue to develop over time. Simply reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

More chicken

See all →