Introduction
Do you have a taste for French cooking? If so, coq au vin is a classic French dish that everyone should learn to make. With tender chunks of chicken slow-cooked in a delicious red wine sauce, it’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests!
In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to know about making coq au vin from scratch. From the ingredients list to the unique cooking techniques, you’ll be able to master this classic French dish with ease.
So, if you’d like to learn how to prepare a delicious coq au vin, read on!
Ingredients
for Coq Au Vin
Coq au vin is a classic French dish, which consists of chicken braised in a flavorful wine and bacon-based sauce. This dish is usually served with potatoes or buttered egg noodles. This recipe will serve four people.
You will need the following ingredients:
- • 4-5 lbs of chicken legs and thighs
- • 2 tablespoons of butter
- • 4 ounces of thick-cut bacon, diced
- • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- • 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- • 1 yellow onion, chopped
- • 3 carrots, chopped
- • 2 ribs of celery, chopped
- • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- • 2 cups of dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir
- • 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- • 2 bay leaves
- • Kosher salt, to taste
- • Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- • 1 cup of button mushrooms, halved
- • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)
Note: If desired, use boneless and skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or a combination of both.
Recipe Steps
Coq Au Vin is a classic French dish that has been around for centuries. It’s a tasty and hearty meal that is sure to become a family favorite. The classic dish consists of chicken cooked in a red wine-based sauce and often includes mushrooms, onions, bacon, and herbs.
The following steps will help you bring this classic French concoction to life in your own kitchen:
1. Begin by marinating the chicken in a mixture of red wine, garlic, onion, and your desired herbs. Ideally, the chicken should be left to marinate overnight, although a minimum of two hours will work.
2. Heat a large pot or pan to medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon from the pan and set it aside.
3. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until it is lightly browned on each side, about 6-7 minutes.
4. Once browned, add onions and mushrooms and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour the remaining marinade and 2 cups of chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Add the crispy bacon back to the pan and simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Finally, add in any additional herbs you desire and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice and enjoy your delicious Coq Au Vin!
Preparing the Chicken
Before you can prepare the classic French dish of Coq Au Vin, the chicken must be prepared. Begin by washing and patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into four pieces, discarding excess fat. Once the chicken has been cut and trimmed of any fat, season with salt and pepper. When seasoning the chicken, it is important to use kosher salt or sea salt, rather than traditional table salt, as it provides a more robust flavor. Finally, coat each piece of chicken in all-purpose flour, which will help thicken the sauce later in the cooking process. After the chicken is seasoned and floured, the cooking can begin!
Making the Sauce
is a key step in creating a classic Coq Au Vin dish. The sauce should be thick and flavorful and should provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken. To create the sauce, begin by melting butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add chopped onions and mushrooms and sauté until the vegetables are softened. Next, add garlic and tomato paste and stir until combined. Add a generous amount of red wine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Finally, season the sauce with salt, pepper, and thyme. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, or until thickened. Once thickened, your sauce is ready to be added to the chicken and served. Enjoy!
Cooking the Coq Au Vin
Cooking Coq Au Vin is a simple and rewarding process. It starts by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and dredging them in flour. This will help brown the chicken and thicken the cooking liquid. After that, heat some oil or butter in a Dutch oven or large sauté pan and brown the chicken on both sides over medium-high heat.
Once the chicken is browned, add some onions, mushrooms, carrots, and garlic and sauté them until they are soft and fragrant. Then deglaze the pan with a little wine or stock and reduce the liquid. Add some tomato paste, herbs, and seasonings and stir until the tomato paste is distributed throughout the liquid. Add the chicken with juices and enough wine or stock to cover the chicken and simmer for about 1-1½ hours or until the chicken is cooked through. Finally, add some butter and chopped parsley to the sauce to finish the dish. Serve your Coq Au Vin with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. Bon Appetit!
Serving Tips
When it comes to serving classic French cuisine, it’s always important to keep a few tips in mind:
1. Presentation is key. Classic French dishes are all about the presentation. Coq au vin is particularly gorgeous, so be sure to serve it in an attractive way. For example, you can use a large, deep bowl to mound the chicken and vegetables, and scatter some fresh herbs on top for an added touch of elegance.
2. Plan an appropriate side dish. Coq au vin is a rich and hearty dish, so you’ll want to serve it with a suitable side dish to balance it out. A light green salad is a great choice, or you can opt for a simple side of mashed potatoes, rice, or couscous.
3. Choose a suitable wine. French cuisine, of course, is best enjoyed with a matching wine. When it comes to coq au vin, a good bottle of Beaujolais is the perfect choice.
4. Take your time. Classic French cooking can be very time consuming, so you should plan to take your time when it comes to serving. You don’t want to rush through the meal; instead, take the time to savor each bite.
With these tips in mind, you can be sure that your coq au vin will impress your guests. Bon appetit!
Variations on the Classic Coq Au Vin Recipe
The classic Coq Au Vin recipe is a timeless French dish that has been adapted by cooks over time to create mouth-watering variations. Let’s explore some of the most popular recipes and get inspired to make something delicious in your own kitchen.
One easy variation is Coq Au Riesling, which adds white wine and mushrooms to the classic recipe. This dish is cooked on the stovetop, so you can make it fast and easy while still enjoying the full flavor of the ingredients. To prepare, start by sautéing the chicken and onions, then add garlic, mushrooms, and carrots and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender. Add the wine and let the mixture simmer until the liquid has reduced. Stir in a little cream and herbs, then serve with your favorite side dishes.
Another popular recipe is Coq Au Vin Jaune, which adds a delicious mustard and garlic kick. You’ll want to begin by browning the chicken, then add garlic, mustard, and mushrooms. Sauté the ingredients until the mushrooms are golden brown, then add chicken stock and let the mixture simmer. Once the liquid has reduced, stir in a little cream and herbs and serve with sides of your choice.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit spicier, try making Coq Au Curry. Begin with the classic Coq Au Vin recipe and add in some curry powder and garlic. Cook the dish on the stovetop until all of the ingredients are tender, then add some cream and coconut milk and let the mixture simmer. Garnish with cilantro and serve with steamed jasmine rice.
There’s no right or wrong way to make a delicious Coq Au Vin. We encourage you to get creative and make it your own by adding unique ingredients and changing up the flavors. With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to create a delicious and unique dish that you can’t wait to sharewith your family and friends.
Conclusion
By experimenting with variations on the classic Coq Au Vin recipe, you can create an even more delicious meal. The key is to keep the main ingredients the same, while changing up the other ingredients to add an interesting twist. Remember that the main part of cooking is to have fun and explore the art of French cuisine. Coq au Vin is a great first step into the world of classic French cooking, and with a little practice and dedication, you can master the recipe with ease. Bon appétit!
