Coq Au Vin: Classic French Chicken in Red Wine
Recipe Introduction: Coq au Vin, My Way!
Fancy a taste of france? ever wonder about those french recipes your grandma talked about? this coq au vin is it! honestly, i used to be intimidated by this dish.
It seemed so fancy! but trust me, this easy coq au vin recipe is totally doable. it's pure french country cooking at its best.
This classic " rooster in wine " dish is a authentic french cuisine staple. originating from burgundy, france, coq au vin translates to chicken in wine.
It's a humble yet deeply flavourful stew, perfect for warming you up on a chilly evening. this version is medium difficulty.
It takes about 2 hours, start to finish, and serves 6 hungry souls. get ready for a tasty family dinner recipe !
The real magic? the red wine! it tenderizes the chicken and creates a rich, savoury sauce. plus, red wine contains antioxidants, which is always a bonus, right? think of it as a celebration dish, perfect for a dinner party or a cosy comfort pasta recipes meal with family.
This particular burgundy chicken recipe is special because it uses simple ingredients. it focuses on technique to bring out maximum flavor.
No need to spend a fortune on ingredients!.
Coq au Vin: Quick & Delicious French Recipe
Imagine tender chicken simmered in red wine braised chicken . it has earthy mushrooms, and smoky bacon. are you drooling yet? i swear it is a dish of gods.
It's not just a meal; it's an experience! this is how french food recipes dinners should taste.
The Story Behind My Coq au Vin Obsession
I first tried coq au vin at a tiny bistro in paris. i was hooked from the first bite!. so i tried julia child coq au vin .
I failed. but this recipe is my simplified, home cook friendly take on a classic. it's a labour of love, but totally worth it.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Coq au vin is packed with protein and nutrients. it’s also relatively low in carbs. it is a perfect main course option for a pasta dishes no meat meal, alongside a simple salad.
I adore it, and i know you will, too.
Ready to gather your ingredients? Let’s dive in!
Let's Talk Ingredients & Kit for Coq au Vin
Alright, before we dive into this classic french recipes like julia child used to make, let’s get the lowdown on what you'll need.
Trust me, it's easier than you think! this recipe is totally going to become one of your go-to tasty family dinner recipes .
Main Players: Chicken & More
- Chicken Thighs: You will need 6 bone-in, skin-on thighs, roughly 2.5 lbs/1.1 kg . Go for plump, juicy looking chicken.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon . Plus extra, for dusting the chicken.
Bacon/Pancetta: 4 ounces/115g, diced. Look for good quality stuff. Trust me, it makes a difference.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped (around 200g).
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped (around 150g).
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (around 100g).
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
Mushrooms: 1 pound/450g , quartered cremini. They should be firm.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons.
Red Wine: 1 (750ml) bottle, dry red. Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Beaujolais are fantastic.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup/240ml .
- Bay Leaf: 1 .
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon , chopped (for garnish).
Butter: 2 tablespoons (optional, for thickening).
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening).
This easy coq au vin recipe is going to bring that authentic french cuisine vibe right into your kitchen. it's french food recipes dinners like these that make you feel like a real chef.
Seasoning Secrets
Seriously, the right spices are the key to comfort pasta recipes , even in a burgundy chicken recipe !
- Thyme + Rosemary: A essential spice combinations . They give it that classic French country cooking vibe.
- Red Wine: The star flavor enhancers and aromatics . Make sure its dry!
- Bay Leaf: Don't skip it! It adds depth.
Substitution Note : If you're out of fresh parsley, use dried. It’ll be fine. For a richer flavour, add a splash of Cognac.
Your Must Have Equipment
Alright, keep it simple. No need for fancy gadgets, to master all pasta dishes no meat , or meat!
- Dutch Oven: A big heavy pot with a lid is key.
- Cutting Board and Chef's Knife: Obvious, but important.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements matter.
- Tongs: Essential for handling the chicken.
- Slotted Spoon: For bacon and veggies.
Household hack : if you don't have a dutch oven, use a large, heavy bottomed pot. just make sure it has a lid.
Remember, the goal here is red wine braised chicken that's both delicious and stress free!
Coq au Vin: Your New Favourite Chicken Dish?
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good french food recipe ? coq au vin , or " rooster in wine ," is proper french country cooking that'll warm you right up.
It's a seriously tasty dish, perfect for a chilly evening. i once tried to make it on a camping trip let’s just say, a dutch oven over a campfire isn't quite the same!
It may seem posh, but trust me, this Burgundy chicken recipe is totally doable. Plus, it's the perfect way to impress your mates or have a tasty family dinner recipe .
Prep Like a Pro: The Secret to Success
Before we dive in, get your mise en place sorted! chop your veggies, measure your spices, and most importantly, have your wine open and ready.
No faffing about later. it’s all about the organisation, innit?
Also, a quick reminder: searing chicken can get a bit splattery. Protect yourself and your kitchen with an apron.
Let's Get Cooking: Your step-by-step Guide to Coq au Vin
- Prep the Chicken: Pat 2.5 lbs of chicken thighs dry. Season with 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp pepper, and dust with flour.
- Get a Golden Sear: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a dutch oven. Sear the chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
- Crispy Bacon Time: Cook 4 oz diced bacon until crispy. Set aside, keeping the fat in the pot.
- Veggie Magic: Sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots and 2 chopped celery stalks for 8- 10 minutes. Add 4 minced cloves garlic, cook 1 minute.
- Tomato and Shrooms: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, cook for 1 minute. Add 1 lb quartered mushrooms, cook until browned.
- Wine Time: Pour in 750ml bottle red wine, scrape the bottom. Simmer to reduce a little.
- Low and Slow Braise: Return chicken and bacon. Add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp thyme and 0.5 tsp rosemary. Cover and braise for 1.5- 2 hours , until chicken is fork tender.
- Thicken if needed: If the sauce is too runny, make a roux, a mixture of flour and butter. Add it and boil to make it viscous.
Pro Tips for Epic Coq au Vin
Want to take your coq au vin from good to amazing ? dry chicken is your best friend here. pat it dry before searing for that perfect crust.
Also, don't be afraid to splash in a little brandy for extra flavour.
A common mistake? rushing the braising process. low and slow is the key. if you're looking for french food recipes dinners and need to prep ahead, this red wine braised chicken is your jam.
Cook it the day before. honestly, it tastes even better the next day.
So there you have it. Your ticket to authentic French cuisine . Give this a whirl and you may have a dish even Julia Child would be proud of.
Recipe Notes for Your French Feast
Right then, fancy a bit more info on our star dish? this easy coq au vin recipe is proper lush, but here’s some stuff i’ve picked up over the years making it bits that aren’t always obvious.
How to Serve This Authentic French Cuisine
Listen up, presentation is key! first off, plating. swirl a generous spoonful of creamy mash on your plate. nestle a juicy piece of that burgundy chicken recipe on top.
Spoon over loads of that rich, glossy sauce. sprinkle with fresh parsley, you know? adds a bit of colour.
For sides, you can't go wrong with crusty bread for soaking up all that lovely sauce. a simple green salad also cuts through the richness.
Or, if you're feeling fancy, some braised green beans. if you're after drinkies, a red wine braised chicken like this is screaming out for a nice glass of the same red you cooked with! it's really nice to serve with the same bottle!
Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips
So, got leftovers? Honestly, it's often even better the next day. Fridge wise, pop it in an airtight container once it's cooled down. It'll happily keep for 3 days . You know?
Fancy freezing? It works alright. Just be aware that the texture of the mushrooms might change a bit. Divide it into portions, and freeze for up to 3 months .
Reheating is simple. gently warm it through in a pan on the hob or in the microwave. make sure it's piping hot all the way through, yeah? aim for 75° c ( 165° f) .
Remix Time: Variations on a Theme
Dietary stuff? Easy. For a gluten-free option, just use gluten-free flour for dusting the chicken and thickening the sauce. Swap out the bacon with a halal substitute to suit you.
Seasonal tweaks. Autumn or winter? Chuck in some squash with the other veg for extra depth and flavour. Spring or summer? Peas or broad beans would be yummy.
Knowledge is Power: Nutrition Basics
Alright, let’s talk numbers. i reckon each serving of this beauty is around 550-650 calories. it’s packed with protein, thanks to the chicken.
It’s got healthy fats from the olive oil and bacon. it has a good amount of vitamins and minerals from the veggies.
It's proper good, hearty food, but maybe don't eat it every day, yeah? also, always remember, these are just rough estimates.
Right then, give this a bash! don't be scared if it's not perfect first time. french recipes are all about practice and having a laugh! before you know it, you'll have a tasty family dinner recipes ready whenever you like.
It can easily become one of your favourites french food recipes dinners ! and if you're looking for comfort pasta recipes be sure to check our other guides too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coq au Vin difficult to make? I'm new to French recipes.
While Coq au Vin might seem fancy, it's totally achievable, even if you're just dipping your toes into French recipes! It's a bit like baking a cake - there are a few steps, but none of them are super complicated.
Just follow the instructions, be patient with the braising time, and you'll be saying "ooh la la" in no time.
Can I make Coq au Vin ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, Coq au Vin is even better the next day. Like a good curry, the flavours meld together beautifully overnight. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and gently reheat it on the stove before serving. It's a perfect dish for entertaining!
What kind of wine should I use for this "french recipes" masterpiece, Coq au Vin? Do I need something super expensive?
Don't break the bank for the wine! While you don't need a Chateau Lafite Rothschild, avoid the "cooking wine" aisle. A dry red wine like Burgundy, Pinot Noir, or Beaujolais works perfectly. The general rule is, if you'd happily drink a glass of it, it's good enough for your Coq au Vin.
Can I freeze Coq au Vin?
Yes, Coq au Vin freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stovetop.
You might want to add a splash of broth if the sauce seems a bit thick after thawing.
I don't have bacon/pancetta. Can I still make Coq au Vin?
Sure thing! While bacon or pancetta adds a lovely smoky flavour, you can still make a delicious Coq au Vin without it. You could try using a little bit of smoked sausage or a splash of smoked paprika to add some depth. If you don't have anything smoked on hand, just skip it the dish will still be delicious!
Is there a lighter, healthier way to make Coq au Vin?
You can definitely lighten things up a bit! Swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, which are leaner. You can also reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon. Serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes. While it won't be exactly the same, it'll still capture the essence of Coq au Vin without the guilt.
Coq Au Vin Classic French Chicken In Red Wine
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 600 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |
