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Coq au Vin Recipe

A lighter rendition of the traditional French chicken stew, this version preserves the depth and richness of its origins while offering a refined, aromatic experience. Tender chicken, sweet shallots, and earthy mushrooms are steeped in a sumptuous red wine sauce accented with herbs and a touch of brandy.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Coq au Vin Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 250 g chestnut mushrooms halved if large
  • 600 ml red wine
  • 12 small shallots peeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 150 ml good-quality chicken stock
  • 2 tsp tomato purée
  • tbsp olive oil for main dish
  • 2 free-range chicken legs 460g, skin removed
  • 2 rosemary sprigs
  • 3 rashers 100g dry-cured smoked back bacon, trimmed and chopped
  • 4 free-range chicken thighs with bone and skin 650g, skin removed
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • tbsp olive oil for mushrooms
  • 1 tsp softened butter
  • tsp olive oil for thickener
  • 2 free-range boneless skinless chicken breasts (280g)
  • Small handful chopped flat-leaf parsley to garnish
  • 3 tbsp brandy or Cognac

Instructions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan or flameproof casserole over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and fry until crisp; lift out and set on kitchen paper to drain.
  • Add the shallots to the same pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 5–8 minutes until well browned. Remove and reserve with the bacon.
  • Dry the chicken pieces with kitchen paper. Pour ½ tablespoon of olive oil into the pan and brown half of the chicken pieces on all sides over medium-high heat. Remove and repeat with the remaining chicken. Set aside.
  • Add the chopped garlic and sauté briefly. Raise the heat to medium-high and pour in the brandy, stirring to deglaze the base of the pan. Allow the alcohol to reduce until nearly evaporated.
  • Return the chicken legs and thighs with their juices to the pan, then add a little of the red wine and deglaze again, scraping the pan base thoroughly.
  • Incorporate the remaining red wine, chicken stock, and tomato purée. Add the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to form a bouquet garni. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Return the bacon and shallots to the pan.
  • Cover the pan and reduce to a gentle simmer. After 10 minutes, nestle the chicken breasts into the stew and cook everything for 50 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Shortly before serving, heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan. Add the mushrooms and sauté over high heat for several minutes until golden. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Carefully remove the chicken, bacon, and shallots from the pan and transfer to a warmed serving dish. Discard the bouquet garni.
  • To prepare the thickening agent, blend the flour, 1½ teaspoons olive oil, and softened butter together using the back of a teaspoon.
  • Bring the wine sauce to a low boil and whisk in the thickening paste, a little at a time, until the sauce thickens slightly. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
  • Distribute the mushrooms over the chicken mixture, then pour over the enriched wine sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.