Coq au Vin is a rich and flavorful French classic, where chicken is braised in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and onions for a deeply savory and aromatic dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, this Coq au Vin is a true French comfort meal that is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients (for 6 servings):
1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs), cut into 8 pieces
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 cups red wine (Burgundy or similar)
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
In a 6-quart Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
In the same Dutch oven, brown the chicken pieces in batches, about 5-7 min. per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the diced onions, garlic, and mushrooms to the Dutch oven. Sauté for 5-7 min. until softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and flour, cooking for 1-2 min. Add the red wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Return the chicken to the Dutch oven, along with the bacon, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the oven. Braise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.