Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the rustic countryside of France with just one bite - a White Wine Coq au Vin that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. This elegant yet surprisingly simple recipe transforms humble chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality masterpiece, infusing tender meat with a rich, aromatic white wine sauce that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal, this French classic is about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a plate. In the same pan, add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic, sautéing until vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- Pour in white wine and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Add thyme and stir to combine.
- Return chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be slightly reduced and flavorful.
- Serve hot, spooning the vegetable and wine sauce over the chicken thighs. Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep skillet for even heat distribution and better flavor development.
- Don't rush the sautéing of vegetables - allowing them to caramelize brings out deeper, richer flavors.
- Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best sauce complexity.
- Let the dish simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become incredibly tender.
- For an extra luxurious touch, finish with a small pat of butter stirred into the sauce just before serving.
- If possible, make this dish a day ahead, as the flavors continue to develop and improve overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
