How to Make Traditional Coq au Vin

Coq au Vin is a beloved French classic — a slow-braised chicken dish cooked in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and herbs. This rustic stew embodies the essence of French countryside cooking and is surprisingly achievable at home. Follow this guide to make an authentic, heartwarming Coq au Vin.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg), cut into pieces

• 150g pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy)

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 200g mushrooms, halved

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 bouquet garni (bay leaf, thyme, and parsley tied together)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional)

• For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in red wine with some garlic and herbs.

2. Sear the Chicken

• In a large Dutch oven, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside.

• In the same pot, sear the chicken pieces until browned on all sides. Set aside.

3. Build the Flavor Base

• In the pot, add olive oil and butter. Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until softened.

• Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute.

4. Braise the Chicken

• Return the chicken and pancetta to the pot.

• Pour in the red wine and chicken stock.

• Add the bouquet garni and bring to a simmer.

• Cover and cook over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken is tender.

5. Prepare the Mushrooms

• While the chicken is braising, sauté mushrooms in a pan with butter until golden. Set aside.

6. Finish and Serve

• Remove the bouquet garni from the stew.

• Add the sautéed mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 10 minutes.

• Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Serve with crusty French bread or buttery mashed potatoes for a truly memorable meal.

Tips for the Best Coq au Vin

• Choose a bold red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir.

• Marinating the chicken adds an extra depth of flavor.

• Don't rush the braising process — slow and low is key!

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Creating Coq au Vin at home will transport you straight to the heart of the French countryside. It's the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into a special occasion!