Step into the heart of French cuisine with the timeless dish, Coq au Vin Rouge! This classic recipe combines tender chicken marinated in rich red wine, savory bacon, and earthy mushrooms, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a quaint bistro in the French countryside. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy family dinner, this dish is not just a meal—it's an experience. Ready to unlock the secrets of this culinary masterpiece? Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 750ml red wine
- 150g bacon, diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups pearl onions, peeled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the whole chicken into pieces, ensuring you have a mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts. Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the red wine. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to marinate. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the wine and pat it dry with paper towels. Reserve the wine for later use. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- In the same pot, add the chicken pieces in batches, browning them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the browned chicken and set aside with the bacon.
- In the same pot, add the pearl onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they are browned and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the pot and stir well to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Return the browned chicken and bacon to the pot. Pour in the reserved red wine and add enough water to cover the chicken if necessary. Add the bouquet garni, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for about
- 5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning, adjusting with more salt and pepper as desired.
- Once cooked, remove the bouquet garni and discard it. Let the Coq au Vin sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve the Coq au Vin hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
- Choose the Right Wine: A good quality red wine is essential. Look for a full-bodied wine like Burgundy or a Côtes du Rhône to enhance the dish's richness.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the chicken. This step adds depth and complexity to the flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Bouquet Garni: Make your own bouquet garni with fresh herbs tied together, or use a cheesecloth to easily remove it after cooking. This infuses the dish with aromatic flavors without leaving bits of herbs behind.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the Coq au Vin to sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting period helps the sauce thicken and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your Coq au Vin with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of green beans or a simple salad will also complement the dish nicely.
- Leftovers are Gold: If you have any leftovers, they taste even better the next day! Store them in the fridge, and enjoy a quick reheated meal that’s packed with flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 742kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 100g
Saturated Fat: 27g
Cholesterol: 150mg
