Chicken Coq Vin

Chicken Coq Vin Recipe - A Classic French Dish

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8-10 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chicken Coq Vin is a classic French dish that features tender chicken cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with red wine, bacon, mushrooms, and onions. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

Coq au Vin, which translates to "rooster in wine," is a traditional French dish that dates back to the Roman times. Originally, this dish was made with tough rooster meat that was braised in wine to tenderize it. Over time, the recipe evolved to include chicken as the main protein, making it more accessible and popular among home cooks.

Ingredients

1 large broiler/fryer, quartered
oil
10 to 12 small white onions, peeled
0.5 lb (227 g) whole mushrooms
1 tsp prepared minced garlic
0.5 tsp dried thyme
10 to 12 small new potatoes, unpeeled
1 can chicken broth (10 oz (283 g))
1 cup burgundy wine
6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

How to prepare

In a skillet, brown the chicken quarters on both sides and set them aside.
Place the white onions, whole mushrooms, garlic, and thyme in an oblong slow cooker.
Add the chicken quarters, potatoes, chicken broth, and a little salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
During the last hour, turn the heat to high and add burgundy, then continue cooking.
Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the chicken before serving.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the chicken quarters.
Add carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for burgundy wine.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For best results, use a good quality burgundy wine for this recipe.

- Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker will help enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Make sure to season the dish with salt and pepper to taste before cooking.

- Adding the burgundy wine during the last hour of cooking will help preserve its flavor and aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Coq Vin pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes. Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a mixed green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before slow cooking helps develop a rich flavor.

- Slow cooking the dish allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use pearl onions instead of white onions.

- Use cremini or shiitake mushrooms instead of white mushrooms.

- Use red wine or white wine as a substitute for burgundy wine.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving.

- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Coq Vin in a shallow bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh parsley. - Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of the dish for added flavor and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken Coq Vin with a glass of burgundy wine or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or baguette for dipping in the sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 23g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 5%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Chicken Coq Vin is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Chicken Coq Vin is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its rich and flavorful sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, this dish is sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chicken Coq Vin. It was a chilly autumn evening, the leaves were falling and there was a crispness in the air that signaled the arrival of colder days. I had just returned from a long walk in the countryside, where I had stumbled upon a quaint little French bakery nestled in the heart of the village.

As I entered the bakery, the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries wafted through the air, filling my senses with warmth and comfort. The place was bustling with customers, all eager to get their hands on the delicious treats that lined the shelves. I made my way to the counter and ordered a cup of hot chocolate and a slice of apple tart.

As I sat down at a small table by the window, I noticed a group of women huddled in a corner, their heads bent together in animated conversation. Curious, I strained to listen to their words, and my ears perked up when I heard them mention the words "Coq Vin". Intrigued, I couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation, trying to catch every detail of the recipe they were discussing.

From what I could gather, Chicken Coq Vin was a traditional French dish made with chicken, red wine, mushrooms, onions, and bacon. The women spoke of how the dish was slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory sauce that coated the tender chicken pieces. My mouth watered just thinking about it, and I knew I had to learn how to make it for myself.

After finishing my treats, I approached the group of women and introduced myself. They were kind enough to share their recipe with me, explaining the steps in great detail and even offering me a small taste of the dish they had brought with them. It was divine, the flavors dancing on my tongue in a symphony of taste and texture.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I spent hours in my kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the recipe, tweaking the ingredients and cooking times until I had perfected my own version of Chicken Coq Vin. I added my own twist to the dish, incorporating herbs and spices that I had grown in my garden, giving it a fresh and vibrant flavor that was uniquely my own.

Over the years, I have made Chicken Coq Vin for countless family gatherings and dinner parties, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this classic French dish to a new generation of cooks.

As I sit here now, penning this story for my grandchildren to read, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Chicken Coq Vin. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious and sharing it with those you love.

And so, I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchildren, in the hopes that you will continue the tradition of cooking and sharing meals with your own families. May it bring you as much joy and fulfillment as it has brought me over the years. Bon appétit!