Bon jour!

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that transforms simple ingredients into an incredibly rich and flavorful meal. This slow-cooked dish features chicken braised in red wine, with aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and carrots, and is often accompanied by mushrooms and smoky bacon. The wine reduces into a luscious sauce, infusing the chicken with deep flavors while keeping it tender and succulent. Traditionally served with crusty bread or potatoes, Coq au Vin is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weekend dinner when you want to savor the flavors of rustic French cuisine.

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and legs)
6 oz bacon, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 cups mushrooms, halved
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:

Prepare the bacon and chicken: In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown it in the bacon fat on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the olive oil if needed, and sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the tomato paste. Slowly pour in the red wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Braise the chicken: Return the browned chicken and crispy bacon to the pot. Add the thyme and bay leaves, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Finish and serve: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the Coq au Vin with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
This Coq au Vin is a beautifully rich and comforting dish, perfect for bringing a taste of French countryside cooking to your table!