Introduction:

Coq Au Vin is a classic French dish that has been adored for generations. Its rich, bold flavors and tender chicken make it the perfect comfort food for any time of the year. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best Coq Au Vin recipe so you can bring this delicious dish into your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

– 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

– 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced

– 8 ounces of mushrooms, sliced

– 2 cups pearl onions, peeled

– 2 carrots, sliced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bottle of red wine (preferably Burgundy)

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 2 tablespoons tomato paste

– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it is browned and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the pot and set aside.

2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In the same pot used for the bacon, cook the chicken in batches over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside with the bacon.

3. Pour off all but two tablespoons of fat from the pot. Add the mushrooms, pearl onions, and carrots to the pot and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until they begin to caramelize.

4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add in flour and stir until vegetables are coated evenly.

5. Slowly pour in red wine while stirring constantly to deglaze the pan and create a smooth sauce. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes.

6. Stir in chicken broth and tomato paste, then return the bacon and chicken pieces to the pot. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.

7. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 60-90 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

8. Once finished, taste the sauce for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

9. Serve your Coq Au Vin over mashed potatoes or rice, garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs to add an extra layer of flavor to this delicious meal.

Conclusion:

With this best Coq Au Vin recipe, you’ll be able to create a fantastic French dining experience at home for your family and friends. Its hearty flavors, rich sauce, and tender chicken make it a perfect dish for cozy gatherings or special occasions. Bon appétit!