Coq au vin

Discover this authentic French Coq au vin recipe — a rewarding dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with olive oil, bacon, shallots and 15 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 6 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 65 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this french classic is sure to impress.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

20

Prep Time (min)

50

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

430

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Coq au vin

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 ½ tbsp Olive Oil
  • 3 rashers (100g) chopped dry-cured Bacon
  • 12 small Shallots
  • 2 (460g) Chicken Legs
  • 4 (650g) Chicken Thighs
  • 2 (280g) Chicken Breasts
  • 3 finely chopped Garlic
  • 3 tbsp Brandy
  • 600 ml Red Wine
  • 150 ml Chicken Stock
  • 2 tsp tomato puree
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • 2 sprigs Rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • garnish parsley
  • 250 g chestnut mushroom
  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 1 tsp butter

Instructions

6 steps · ~62 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan or flameproof dish. Tip in the bacon and fry until crisp. Remove and drain on kitchen paper. Add the shallots to the pan and fry, stirring or shaking the pan often, for 5-8 mins until well browned all over. Remove and set aside with the bacon.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  2. Step 2

    Pat the chicken pieces dry with kitchen paper. Pour the remaining oil into the pan, then fry half the chicken pieces, turning regularly, for 5-8 mins until well browned. Remove, then repeat with the remaining chicken. Remove and set aside.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  3. Step 3

    Scatter in the garlic and fry briefly, then, with the heat medium-high, pour in the brandy or Cognac, stirring the bottom of the pan to deglaze. The alcohol should sizzle and start to evaporate so there is not much left.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  4. Step 4

    Return the chicken legs and thighs to the pan along with any juices, then pour in a little of the wine, stirring the bottom of the pan again. Stir in the rest of the wine, the stock and tomato purée, drop in the bouquet garni, season with pepper and a pinch of salt, then return the bacon and shallots to the pan. Cover, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, add the chicken breasts and cook for 50 mins-1hr.

    15 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  5. Step 5

    Just before ready to serve, heat the oil for the mushrooms in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the mushrooms and fry over a high heat for a few mins until golden. Remove and keep warm.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  6. Step 6

    Lift the chicken, shallots and bacon from the pan and transfer to a warmed serving dish. Remove the bouquet garni. To make the thickener, mix the flour, olive oil and butter in a small bowl using the back of a teaspoon. Bring the wine mixture to a gentle boil, then gradually drop in small pieces of the thickener, whisking each piece in using a wire whisk. Simmer for 1-2 mins. Scatter the mushrooms over the chicken, then pour over the wine sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley.

    15 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This French recipe for Coq au vin is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of French cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your french meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Crusty baguette
🍽️Green salad with vinaigrette
🍽️Sautéed mushrooms

About This Dish

Coq au vin is a beloved dish from French cuisine, originating in France. With a total preparation time of about 70 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

French cuisine is considered one of the world's finest culinary traditions. Known for its refinement and attention to detail, it has influenced cooking around the globe for centuries.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 18 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Coq au vin is a traditional French dish made with chicken braised slowly in red wine, along with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and sometimes bacon. It is known for its rich flavors and tender meat.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories430kcal
Total Fat19g
Sodium502mg
Total Carbohydrates47g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein52g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineFrench
CategoryDinner
CountryFrance