Coq au Vin

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Dish:
  • 🍗 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 🧂 Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 🥓 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 🧈 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 🧅 1 large onion, diced
  • 🥕 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 🍷 2 cups dry red wine (like Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
  • 🥣 1 cup chicken broth
  • 🌿 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 🌱 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 🌿 1 bay leaf
  • 🍄 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
For Garnish:
  • 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 🥖 Optional: Serve with crusty French bread or mashed potatoes

🍳 Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season the Chicken:
    • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken:
    • In a large Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
    • Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, to the pot. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
  1. Sauté the Aromatics:
    • Add olive oil or butter to the pot if needed. Sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add the Mushrooms:
    • Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.
Build the Sauce
  1. Deglaze with Wine:
    • Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  2. Combine Ingredients:
    • Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Return the bacon and chicken thighs to the pot, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged in the liquid.
Simmer the Dish
  1. Cook Gently:
    • Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 45–60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  2. Thicken the Sauce:
    • If desired, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
Serve
  1. Garnish and Plate:
    • Serve the chicken and vegetables with a generous ladle of sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty French bread or creamy mashed potatoes.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • 🍷 White Wine Option: Substitute red wine with dry white wine for a lighter variation, traditionally known as Coq au Vin Blanc.
  • 🌿 Herbal Boost: Add rosemary or sage for more depth of flavor.
  • 🥔 Hearty Addition: Include baby potatoes in the stew for a complete one-pot meal.
  • 🧄 Garlic Twist: Double the garlic for a more robust taste.

🍹 Serving Suggestions

Coq au Vin pairs beautifully with a glass of the same wine used in the recipe. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Coq au Vin is a rustic, hearty dish that captures the essence of French country cooking. The tender chicken, rich wine sauce, and aromatic vegetables create a comforting and elegant meal, perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.

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