Coq au Vin – A Classic French Comfort Food Recipe

Coq au Vin is an iconic dish in French cuisine, known for its deep, rich flavors and slow-cooked tenderness. This hearty meal features chicken braised in red wine, along with bacon, mushrooms, carrots, and aromatic herbs.

It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Follow my step-by-step guide to make a restaurant-quality coq au vin right at home!

Prep and Cooking Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 2 hours
• Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 bottle of dry red wine (Burgundy or Pinot Noir recommended)
• 5 oz (about ½ cup) bacon or pancetta, diced
• 7 oz (about 2 ½ cups) mushrooms, quartered
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley tied together)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Coq au Vin

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Peel and slice the carrots.
2. Chop the onions and mince the garlic.
3. Clean the mushrooms and quarter them.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl.
2. Add the carrots, onions, and bouquet garni.
3. Pour the red wine over the chicken until fully covered.
4. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (or overnight) to infuse the flavors.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat dry. Reserve the marinade.
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy.
2. Add the onions, garlic, and carrots from the marinade and sauté for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

1. Return the chicken to the pot.
2. Sprinkle with flour, stir well, and cook for 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
3. Pour in the reserved wine marinade, add the bouquet garni, and stir.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 1 ½ hours.

Step 6: Cook the Mushrooms

1. In a separate pan, heat a little olive oil.
2. Sauté the mushrooms until golden brown, then add them to the stew 20 minutes before the end of cooking.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
2. Remove the bouquet garni before serving.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 25g

Health Benefits of Ingredients

• Red Wine: Rich in antioxidants, helps tenderize the meat and add complex flavors.
• Chicken: High in lean protein, keeping you full and energized.
• Mushrooms: Low in calories but packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Carrots: A great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, good for the skin and eyesight.

Zoé’s Tips

• Choose a good wine – Never use cheap wine! A medium-quality Burgundy or Pinot Noir will make a difference.
• Short on time? Swap the coq (rooster) for chicken thighs and drumsticks, which require less cooking.
• Balance the acidity – If your wine is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to the sauce.
• For a thicker sauce – Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it in at the end.

Best Side Dishes for Coq au Vin

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and rich, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Buttered Egg Noodles – A traditional French pairing that complements the dish beautifully.
• Crusty French Bread – Ideal for mopping up every last bit of the sauce.
• Steamed Green Beans – A fresh and light contrast to the richness of the dish.

Variations of Coq au Vin Recipe

• Coq au Vin Blanc – Swap red wine for dry white wine for a lighter, elegant flavor.
• Coq au Cidre – Use apple cider instead of wine for a subtly sweet twist.
• Coq au Chocolat – Add 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder to the sauce for a deep, rich flavor.

Coq au Vin is a true French classic that brings together simple ingredients, slow cooking, and incredible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, special occasions, or just indulging in comfort food, this dish will always impress.

Try this traditional French recipe, and let me know how it turned out!