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Classic Coq au Vin for Cozy Evenings

Classic Coq au Vin for Cozy Evenings
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Classic Coq au Vin for Cozy Evenings is a traditional French dish featuring tender chicken slow-cooked in rich red wine with aromatic herbs, mushrooms, bacon, and hearty vegetables. This comforting one-pot meal delivers deep, layered flavors perfect for intimate dinners or cozy weeknight feasts.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Meat

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks), about 3-4 lbs
  • 4 oz bacon or pancetta, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 cups button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Broth

  • 2 cups good quality dry red wine (such as Pinot Noir or Merlot)
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them with salt and pepper. Lightly coat each piece evenly with flour to help achieve a golden brown crust during cooking.
  2. Brown the Bacon and Chicken: In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon or pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the rendered bacon fat, sear the floured chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides, locking in richness and flavor.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until softened and fragrant. Then add the mushrooms and sauté until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
  4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom. This step infuses the sauce with deep, complex flavors.
  5. Simmer with Herbs and Broth: Return the bacon and seared chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully infused with flavors.
  6. Finish and Thicken: Remove the lid and continue to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce to a luscious, velvety consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • Patience is key for deeply flavored chicken—brown well before simmering.
  • Use a wine you enjoy drinking as its quality directly affects the final taste.
  • Slow cooking melds the flavors and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end after sauce reduction for perfect balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Coq au Vin, French chicken stew, red wine chicken, comfort food, braised chicken, slow cooked chicken

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/classic-coq-au-vin-for-cozy-evenings/