Description
Culinary magic happens when French classic Coq au Vin brings rustic Burgundy flavors to your kitchen, blending tender chicken, rich wine sauce, and smoky bacon into one unforgettable comfort dish. Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a soulful meal that connects you with French countryside traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 free-range chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces, on the bone but skin removed (or 6 chicken thighs)
Meat and Aromatics:
- 150 grams (5.3 ounces) streaky bacon cut thickly
- 150 grams (5.3 ounces) shallots peeled but left whole
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme or a good pinch of dried thyme
Additional Ingredients:
- 350 grams (12 ounces) button mushrooms
- 500 milliliters (16.9 fluid ounces) good red wine
- 500 milliliters (16.9 fluid ounces) chicken stock
- 25 grams (1 ounce) butter
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 small bunch flatleaf parsley, chopped
- salt
- crushed black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a thick-bottomed skillet over medium flame, melting most of the butter. Sauté shallots until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and cook until lightly golden.
- Add crispy bacon pieces and fresh thyme to the skillet, allowing flavors to meld together for 2-3 minutes.
- Elevate the heat and pour in red wine, chicken stock, and vinegar. Carefully place chicken pieces into the liquid, bringing the mixture to a robust boil.
- Reduce temperature to low, covering the skillet and allowing the chicken to simmer gently for approximately 25 minutes until thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken from the sauce, keeping it warm while reducing the liquid over high heat for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and concentrates its flavors.
- Return chicken to the reduced sauce, incorporating the reserved butter and freshly chopped parsley. Season with cracked black pepper and sea salt.
- Plate the coq au vin alongside a crisp green salad, creamy olive oil-infused mashed potatoes, or rustic toasted bread for a complete French-inspired meal.
Notes
- Opt for a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Choose a robust red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir for authentic French flavor and depth.
- Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance overall caramelization.
- Swap regular bacon for pancetta or smoked bacon to add different flavor dimensions and complexity.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly after cooking to help retain moisture and ensure tender, juicy meat.
- Lower cooking temperature gradually to prevent sauce from breaking and maintain smooth, rich consistency.
- Use fresh thyme and parsley for maximum aromatic impact and bright, herbal undertones.
- Consider removing chicken skin before cooking for a lighter, healthier version of the classic dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg