Coq au Vin is a classic French dish made with chicken, red wine, bacon, mushrooms, and onions. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken legs or thighs
  • Salt and pepper
  • Flour for dusting
  • 4 slices of bacon, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks of celery, chopped
  • 1 bottle of dry red wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 sprig of fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375ยฐF.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and dust with flour.
  3. In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  4. Brown the chicken in the bacon fat until golden on both sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same pot, sautรฉ the onion, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.
  6. Pour in the wine and let it reduce by half. Add the chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot.
  7. Cover and bake in the oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Stir into the Coq au Vin and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  9. Serve with crusty bread and a glass of red wine.

Enjoy your delicious Coq au Vin! This classic French dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests.