Coq au Vin: The Perfect Dinner Party Dish

This Coq au Vin recipe is a classic French comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make this delicious dish.

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that has been a favorite for centuries. This comfort food is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, such as a dinner party. The dish is made with tender chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful broth of red wine, bacon, mushrooms, pearl onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day. Follow this easy recipe to create your own version of this French favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup pearl onions
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Baguette, sliced and toasted (optional)
• Mashed potatoes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crisp.
4. Remove the bacon and set aside.
5. In the same Dutch oven, brown the chicken on all sides until golden brown.
6. Remove the chicken and set aside.
7. Add the mushrooms and pearl onions to the Dutch oven and sauté for 5 minutes.
8. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
9. Add the thyme and bay leaves.
10. Pour in the red wine and chicken broth and bring to a boil.
11. Whisk together the flour and butter to create a paste.
12. Whisk the paste into the sauce to thicken it.
13. Add the chicken and bacon back to the Dutch oven.
14. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
15. Serve with crispy baguette slices or mashed potatoes, if desired.

Tips and Tricks:

• Use a good-quality red wine for the best flavor.
• Allow the chicken to marinate in the red wine and broth mixture for at least 2 hours before cooking for more depth of flavor.
• For a shortcut, you can use pre-cut chicken pieces or boneless chicken thighs.
• Make sure to remove the skin from the chicken before cooking to reduce excess fat.
• If the sauce is too thin, you can continue to cook it on the stovetop to reduce it and thicken it further.

Variants:

• Vegetarian Coq au Vin: Replace the chicken with portobello mushrooms or seitan.
• Coq au Vin Blanc: A variation made with white wine instead of red wine.
• Instant Pot Coq au Vin: Use an Instant Pot to cook the dish in less time.

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The chicken is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth of red wine, bacon, mushrooms, pearl onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves to create a rich and comforting meal. Whether you serve it with crispy baguette slices or mashed potatoes, it’s sure to be a hit with your guests. Give this recipe a try and experience the delicious flavors of French cuisine.