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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for even meatball cooking.
- Combine ground chicken with egg, bread crumbs, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, blending ingredients thoroughly.
- Lightly oil hands and form mixture into uniform tablespoon-sized meatballs, arranging them neatly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast meatballs for 15 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through.
- 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.
- Retain one tablespoon of bacon drippings and sauté onions until translucent and softened.
- Introduce garlic, carrots, and mushrooms to the skillet, allowing vegetables to caramelize and develop rich flavor profiles.
- Incorporate tomato paste, stirring quickly to prevent burning and enhance depth of flavor.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine and chicken broth, adding bay leaves and thyme for aromatic complexity.
- Simmer sauce for 10 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly, creating an intense flavor base.
- Gently nestle cooked meatballs into the sauce, allowing them to absorb the rich liquid for 5 minutes.
- 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