Cozy Savory Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs Recipe for Dinner

Nestled in French countryside traditions, these coq au vin chicken meatballs bring rustic comfort to your dinner table.

Culinary magic happens when classic wine-braised techniques merge with hearty ground chicken.

Wine-soaked flavors dance through each tender morsel, creating an irresistible symphony of taste.

Rich burgundy wine mingles with aromatic herbs, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Succulent meatballs promise a journey through classic french cooking techniques reimagined for modern kitchens.

Fragrant and complex, this recipe invites you to savor every delectable bite.

A plate of these meatballs might just become your next weekend culinary adventure.

Why Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs Are a Flavor Bomb

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform traditional chicken meatballs into a sophisticated French-inspired dish that feels gourmet yet approachable for home cooks.
• Master Complex Flavor Profiles: Combine rich red wine, crispy bacon, caramelized vegetables, and herbs to create a deep, multilayered taste experience that surprises and delights the palate.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for intimate dinners, dinner parties, or weeknight meals, this recipe adapts easily to different dining scenarios while impressing guests with minimal extra effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like mushrooms or use different protein options, making this recipe flexible for dietary preferences and pantry availability.

Ingredients for Cozy, Wine-Kissed Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: The main protein that forms the foundation of the meatballs and provides a lean, tender base for the dish.
• Egg: A binding ingredient that helps hold the meatballs together and adds richness.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a tender texture and add depth of flavor to the meatballs.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of the chicken meatballs.

• Red Wine, Chicken Broth: Form the liquid base of the rich Coq au Vin sauce, adding depth and complexity.
• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Mushrooms: Provide a foundation of aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Bay Leaves, Thyme Sprigs: Introduce herbal notes that complement the savory sauce.
• Parsley: A fresh herb used as a bright, final garnish.

How to Make Savory Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

Set the oven to a hot 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground chicken
• Egg
• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Blend the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape Moist Meatballs

Lightly coat your hands with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Gently roll the meat mixture into bite-sized spheres, placing each one carefully on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Golden Meatballs

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Roast the meatballs for approximately 15 minutes until they turn crispy and cook completely through.

Step 5: Crisp Bacon Foundations

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Cook bacon until it reaches a delightful crispiness, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside the bacon for later garnishing.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Drain excess bacon grease, leaving just a tablespoon. Add chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Step 7: Build Flavor Layers

• Minced garlic
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced mushrooms

Sauté until the vegetables begin to caramelize and release their rich flavors.

Step 8: Enhance with Tomato Paste

Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the sauce’s complexity.

Step 9: Create Luxurious Wine Sauce

• Red wine
• Chicken broth
• Bay leaves
• Thyme sprigs

Season with additional salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 10: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Gently add the baked meatballs to the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the delectable flavors.

Step 11: Final Flavor Touches

Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Sprinkle chopped parsley and crumble the reserved crispy bacon into the dish.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting and elegant meal.

Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs Made Even Better

• Oil hands before shaping meatballs to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform shapes.
• Choose lean ground chicken for healthier meatballs that remain tender and moist during baking.
• Ensure meatballs reach 165°F internal temperature to guarantee safe consumption and perfect texture.
• Allow sauce to reduce and thicken naturally for deeper, more concentrated flavor development.
• Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving to prevent accidentally biting into whole herbs.

New Ways to Serve Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace thyme with oregano and rosemary, add crumbled feta cheese to meatballs, and include kalamata olives in the sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Smoky Southwestern: Incorporate chipotle peppers and smoked paprika into meatballs, use tequila instead of red wine, and garnish with cilantro and jalapeños for a bold kick.
• Nordic-Style Meatballs: Swap red wine for aquavit, add diced dill pickles to the sauce, mix lingonberry jam into the meatball mixture, and serve with buttered egg noodles.

Rich Pairings for Winey Chicken Meatballs

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Burgundy or Pinot Noir to complement the rich wine-based sauce and enhance the deep flavor profile of the meatballs.
• Serve with Creamy Polenta: Create a luxurious base that soaks up the savory sauce, offering a smooth contrast to the crispy meatballs and adding textural complexity.
• Garnish with Fresh Herb Salad: Toss light arugula or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a bright, refreshing counterpoint.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Use rustic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, adding an extra layer of texture and allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful liquid.

How to Store Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs Right

• Refrigerate: Store meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the sauce and meatballs together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freeze: Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer meatballs and sauce to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent drying.
• Microwave: Place meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish.

FAQs About These French-Inspired Meatballs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and will give similar results with the same rich flavor profile.

• Do I need any special wine for this recipe?

Use a dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Burgundy. The wine doesn’t have to be expensive, just something you’d enjoy drinking.

• How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Replace bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour to maintain the binding and texture of the meatballs.

• Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, dried thyme and parsley can be used in equal amounts if fresh herbs aren’t available.

Savory Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 51 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty French classic “Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs” blend rustic Burgundy flavors into compact, irresistible bites. Rich wine-braised chicken meatballs offer a delightful twist on traditional comfort cuisine that will transport taste buds straight to French countryside charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 1/4 pounds ground chicken
• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 4 whole carrots, chopped
• 1 whole yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 whole dried bay leaves

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups dry red wine
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for even meatball cooking.
2. Combine ground chicken with egg, bread crumbs, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, blending ingredients thoroughly.
3. Lightly oil hands and form mixture into uniform tablespoon-sized meatballs, arranging them neatly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast meatballs for 15 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through.
5. Render bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and deep brown, approximately 5 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Retain one tablespoon of bacon drippings and sauté onions until translucent and softened.
7. Introduce garlic, carrots, and mushrooms to the skillet, allowing vegetables to caramelize and develop rich flavor profiles.
8. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring quickly to prevent burning and enhance depth of flavor.
9. Deglaze the pan with red wine and chicken broth, adding bay leaves and thyme for aromatic complexity.
10. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly, creating an intense flavor base.
11. Gently nestle cooked meatballs into the sauce, allowing them to absorb the rich liquid for 5 minutes.
12. Remove herb sprigs, garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled bacon, then serve atop creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier version, ensuring the meatballs remain moist by not overmixing the ingredients.
• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit entirely to create a lighter, lower-fat dish that still maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same tender texture.
• Add a splash of cognac or brandy alongside the red wine for an extra depth of flavor that elevates the traditional Coq au Vin taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 36 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg