Classic French Coq au Vin Recipe

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
Salt, as needed
Pepper, as needed
4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 cups of red wine
1 cup of chicken broth
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
2 teaspoons of fresh thyme, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of flour

Steps and instructions

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the onions and carrots to the pot and cook until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir until well combined.
Return the chicken and bacon to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
In a separate pan, melt the butter and add the mushrooms, cooking until they are browned and softened.
Stir the flour into the mushrooms, cooking for an additional minute.
Add the mushroom mixture to the pot, stirring until the sauce is thickened.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Tools for making

Cutting board - To prepare and cut the chicken, onions, carrots, and mushrooms.
Chef's knife - To cut and chop the ingredients.
Dutch oven or heavy pot - To cook the Coq au Vin on the stovetop.
Slotted spoon - To remove the cooked bacon from the pot.
Spatula - To stir the ingredients and scrape the bottom of the pot.
Large spoon - To stir and serve the Coq au Vin.
Measuring cups and spoons - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Separate pan - To cook the mushrooms and create the mushroom mixture.

Recipe variations

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken.
Replace the bacon with pancetta or prosciutto.
Add a splash of brandy or cognac to the sauce for extra flavor.
Include additional vegetables such as pearl onions or celery.
Try using white wine instead of red wine for a lighter flavor.
Make it vegetarian by substituting tofu or seitan for the chicken.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary for added freshness.
Serve the Coq au Vin over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta instead of bread.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent.

Recipe overview

Coq au Vin, a classic French dish, transforms simple chicken into a flavorful, hearty meal. This recipe calls for browning chicken and bacon before simmering them in a rich red wine sauce with onions, carrots, and garlic. The addition of tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaves brings depth to the sauce, while a buttery mushroom mixture thickens it to a perfect consistency. This recipe takes time and patience, but the result is a comforting and impressive dish that's perfect for a special dinner at home. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. By following this recipe, you'll create a Coq au Vin that's packed with traditional flavor.

Common questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken? Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken. However, keep in mind that using bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces will enhance the flavor of the dish.
What type of red wine should I use? Traditionally, Coq au Vin is made with a dry red wine such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir. However, you can use any full-bodied red wine that you prefer.
Can I make Coq au Vin ahead of time? Yes, Coq au Vin actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and simply reheat it before serving.
Can I freeze Coq au Vin? Yes, you can freeze Coq au Vin. It's best to freeze it in portion-sized containers, and it can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with Coq au Vin? Coq au Vin pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot - This is needed for cooking the Coq au Vin on the stovetop.
Slotted spoon - Used for removing the cooked bacon from the pot.
Serving platter - To present and serve the cooked Coq au Vin.
Tongs - Useful for flipping and handling the chicken pieces while browning.
Separate pan - Used for browning and cooking the mushrooms.
Whisk - To stir and combine the ingredients in the sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons - Required for accurately measuring the ingredients.
Knife and cutting board - Used for chopping the onions, carrots, and garlic.
Spatula - Helpful for stirring the ingredients in the pot.
Ladle - Used for serving the Coq au Vin and its sauce.

Origin stories

Coq au Vin, translated as "rooster in wine", is a rustic French dish with a rich history. Originating from rural France, it was initially a way for peasant farmers to make use of tough old roosters in their cooking. They would simmer the bird slowly in local wine, along with whatever vegetables were on hand. This would not only tenderize the meat, but also result in a delicious, hearty meal. Over time, the dish evolved and found its way into the kitchens of renowned French chefs, who refined it with the addition of ingredients like mushrooms and thick-cut bacon. Today, Coq au Vin is considered a classic of French cuisine, a testament to the country's culinary tradition of making even the simplest ingredients shine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.