Traditional Coq Au Vin ( Chicken in red wine ) Recipe

This Traditional Coq au Vin, is a classic French dish, and beautifully marries tender chicken with the rich, deep flavors of red wine, mushrooms, lardons of bacon, and aromatic herbs. This rustic dish boasts a history that dates back to ancient times, originally prepared as a way to tenderize tougher cuts of meat. Traditionally made with rooster, modern recipes typically utilize chicken, braising it slowly to create a succulent, hearty meal that embodies the essence of French country cooking. Every bite of Coq au Vin transports you to a cozy bistro in the heart of France, making it the perfect centerpiece for a dinner party or a comforting family meal. Let the delightful aromas fill your kitchen as you embark on this culinary adventure!

Nutritional information

Here's a rough breakdown for the entire dish, assuming it serves about 6 people:

• Calories: Approximately 2,200 total (around 370 per serving)

• Protein: About 160g total (around 27g per serving)

• Total Fat: Approximately 100g total (about 16g per serving)

• Saturated Fat: About 30g total (around 5g per serving)

• Carbohydrates: Approximately 100g total (around 17g per serving)

• Dietary Fiber: About 8g total (around 1g per serving)

• Sugars: Roughly 10g total (around 2g per serving)

• Sodium: Approximately 2,200mg total (around 360mg per serving)

Please note, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used, as well as preparation methods.

Serves 4-6

Preparation time 10 minutes, Marinating time, at least 4 hours, Cooking time 1 ½ half - 2 hrs, 

Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly

Special equipment - none

Traditional Coq au Vin

This winter warmer just needs a hunk of crusty french bread and lashings of butter

Chicken drumsticks

Button Mushrooms

Small onions

Traditional Coq au Vin Recipe

Ingredients:

 Ingredients for the marinade

• 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 4-6 chicken thighs and 4-6 drumsticks (or 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces)

• 4 oz lardons or bacon, diced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 oz mushrooms, quartered

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 bouquet garni (a bundle of herbs, typically thyme, bay leaf, and parsley)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to make Coq Au Vin ( Chicken in red wine )

Click here for Kitchen Timer

Prep all your ingredients,

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the red wine and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

2. Sear the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven, cook the lardons or diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

3. Brown the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. Add olive oil to the pot, then brown the chicken on all sides in batches. Set aside the browned chicken.

4. Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and mushrooms, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

5. Build the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring well for about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and return the bacon to the pot.

6. Simmer: Pour in the reserved marinade and chicken broth, then add the bouquet garni. Return the chicken to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer.

7. Cook: Cover and cook over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender.

8. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bouquet garni, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Enjoy your delicious Coq au Vin!

Goes well with:

In conclusion, mastering coq au vin is a rewarding culinary journey that brings the rich flavours of French cuisine into your kitchen. This dish, with its tender chicken simmered in a luscious wine sauce and accompanied by earthy mushrooms, crispy bacon, and aromatic herbs, not only warms the heart but also impresses dinner guests. Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening or as the centerpiece of a festive gathering, coq au vin is a testament to the beauty of slow cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Please leave a comment below to share your own experience in preparing this recipe.

Cheers Steve.