Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken with rich red wine sauce, creating a flavorful and comforting meal. This recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The flavors in this dish are robust and satisfying, with the red wine adding a depth of taste that is truly exquisite.
- Despite its impressive taste, Coq au Vin requires minimal prep time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken Legs: Provide richness and tenderness to the dish.
- Red Wine: Adds a deep, complex flavor to the sauce. You can use any full-bodied red wine.
- Carrots: Provide sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Fresh Thyme: Adds a subtle herby aroma to the dish.
- Black Peppercorns, Bay Leaves, Head of Garlic: Enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Salt, Olive Oil, Chicken Stock, Softened Butter, Plain Flour: Essential for creating the sauce.
- Bacon Lardons, Shallots, Small Chestnut Mushrooms: Add depth and richness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions based on Chicken Legs:
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown the chicken legs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté bacon lardons, shallots, and mushrooms until golden brown.
- Add garlic, carrots, thyme, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Cook for a few minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to create a roux.
- Pour in red wine and chicken stock, then return the chicken legs to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for about an hour until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in softened butter for a luxurious finish.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Helpful Tips:
- For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken legs in red wine overnight before cooking.
- Use a good quality red wine for the best results.
- Make sure to brown the chicken legs well for added depth of flavor.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time for an even more flavorful meal.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use chicken legs with the skin on for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
- Adding a splash of brandy towards the end of cooking can elevate the flavors of the dish.
- Serve Coq au Vin with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a complete meal experience.
Serving Suggestions:
Coq au Vin pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. A glass of red wine or a light-bodied beer would be the perfect accompaniment to this hearty dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently simmer the dish on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken legs? Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe for a quicker cooking time.
- Can I freeze Coq au Vin? Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use white wine instead of red wine? While red wine is traditional in Coq au Vin, you can use white wine for a lighter flavor profile.
Conclusion:
Coq au Vin is a timeless dish that never fails to impress with its rich flavors and comforting aroma. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of French cuisine in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delicious meal with your loved ones!
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Coq au Vin Chicken in Red Wine
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish where chicken is braised in red wine with vegetables and herbs, resulting in a rich and flavorful stew. This recipe features tender chicken legs cooked in a savory red wine sauce with carrots, mushrooms, and bacon lardons.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 Chicken Legs
- 1 Bottle (750ml) Red Wine
- 150g (1 Cup) Carrots
- 2 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
- ½ teaspoon Black Peppercorns
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Head of Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 175ml (¾ Cup) Chicken Stock
- 30g (2 Tbsp) Softened Butter
- 1 tablespoon Plain Flour
- 100g (4oz) Bacon Lardons
- 8–10 Shallots
- 150g (1½–2 Cups) Small Chestnut Mushrooms
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Prepare the chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
- Brown Chicken: In a Dutch oven, brown the chicken legs in olive oil.
- Sauté Vegetables: Cook carrots, mushrooms, shallots, and bacon lardons.
- Deglaze with Wine: Add red wine, chicken stock, and herbs; simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Make a roux with butter and flour; stir into the stew.
- Serve: Enjoy the Coq au Vin with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in red wine overnight before cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg