Coq au Vin is a classic French dish, a timeless masterpiece with its roots in the Burgundy region. This iconic dish transforms humble chicken into a culinary delight as it simmers gently in red wine, enriched with mushrooms, onions, and the warmth of bacon.
| Country | France |
| Degree of Difficulty | Medium |
| Type of Food | Main Course |
| Cooking Time | Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 3.5 hours |
| Serving Size | 4-6 people |
Ingredients for the Marinade:
- 1 bottle (750ml) red wine (such as Burgundy)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaves, parsley)
- Salt and black pepper
Ingredients for the Coq au Vin:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 4-6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 20-25 pearl onions, peeled
- 2 cups mushrooms, quartered
- 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions for Marinating the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the red wine, chopped onion, carrots, garlic, bouquet garni, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Instructions for Cooking Coq au Vin:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Strain and reserve the marinade.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, fry the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the pearl onions and cook until they begin to brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add the mushrooms to the pot and sauté until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add butter and flour, creating a roux. Cook for a few minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pot and brown on all sides.
- Pour in the reserved marinade and chicken stock, ensuring the chicken is covered. Add the bacon, pearl onions, and mushrooms. Simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Coq au Vin hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving – based on 6 servings)
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Fat | 29g |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Traditionally, Coq au Vin is made with a mature rooster, but chicken is a common substitute.
- You can serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
Tips or Variations:
- Make sure to use a good-quality wine, as it significantly impacts the flavor of the dish.
- To save time, you can use boneless chicken pieces.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- While Coq au Vin has its origins in France, variations of chicken cooked in wine can be found in many other cuisines around the world.
Allergen Checklist:
- This recipe contains butter and bacon, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans
- If using a dairy-free margarine, it can be suitable for those with dairy allergies.
