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coq au vin

Recipe by
Francine Lizotte
Surrey South, BC

This classic Coq au Vin is full of many great flavors! It's definitely a wonderful French recipe to serve for any special occasion or for the Holidays!

yield 6 servings
prep time 15 Min
cook time 1 Hr 15 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For coq au vin

  • 1 c
    unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp
    garlic salt, or more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp
    herbes de provence
  • 3 lb
    (1.36 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 Tbsp
    clarified butter or ghee, divided
  • ground himalayan sea salt, to taste, divided
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste and divided (i always use mixed peppercorns)
  • 1/4 c
    cognac
  • 3/4 c
    shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 lg
    cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 c
    dry red wine
  • 2 c
    basic brown sauce
  • 1/4 tsp
    ground thyme
  • 1/4 tsp
    dried rosemary
  • 1/4 tsp
    dried chervil leaves (substitute tarragon)
  • 1/4 tsp
    dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp
    celery seeds
  • 12 md
    white pearl onions
  • 12 sm
    white button mushrooms, washed and stems removed
  • 2 Tbsp
    dry red wine
  • 1 Tbsp
    fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

How To Make coq au vin

  • 1
    In a bowl, combine flour, garlic salt and Herbes de Provence; whisk well. Transfer half of the flour mixture to a re-sealable plastic bag and add half of the chicken thighs. Close the bag and shake until chicken is well coated. Shake each piece to remove any excess flour and place on a large plate. Add the remaining flour to the bag and coat the remaining chicken thighs.
  • 2
    In a large ovenproof saucepan over medium heat, add 3 tbsp. clarified butter. When hot, add thighs and cook 8 minutes per side or until brown; season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • 3
    Drizzle Cognac over and warm it up for 2 seconds before flambéing it. Let it burn until it goes out on its own. Add shallots and pressed garlic, sauté all the ingredients for 1 minute. Add 1 cup red wine and cook until liquid reduces by half, deglazing the pan at the same time by scraping the bottom to dislodge any brown bits.
  • 4
    Make a bouquet garni by mixing thyme, rosemary, chervil, basil, celery seeds and freshly ground black pepper. Transfer the spices to a small sachet or a cheese cloth; tie up with kitchen twine.
  • 5
    When the wine has reduced by half, add Basic Brown Sauce, the bouquet garni and season with more sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well, making sure the sachet is submerged and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • 6
    Transfer saucepan to a 350ºF preheated oven and cook for 15 minutes.
  • 7
    Using another saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp. clarified butter. When hot, add pearl onions and sauté for 2 minutes, flipping often. To this add mushrooms and sprinkle with a little ground sea salt; crack some freshly ground black pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in 2 tbsp. red wine and cook until the liquid has completely evaporated, about 2 more minutes.
  • 8
    Remove the saucepan from the oven and add the onion/mushroom mixture. Stir well, cover and return the saucepan back to the oven; cook for an additional 15 minutes.
  • 9
    When time is up, remove from the oven and using tongs, remove sachet of bouquet garni and discard. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. 4 servings
  • 10
    To view this recipe on YouTube, click on this link >>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOcIc5dUp34
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