Soulful Coq au Vin

Ingredients

While the original Coq au Vin is typically prepared with Burgundy wine and served with crusty bread or potatoes, our Soulful Coq au Vin incorporates Southern flavors and ingredients. We use a bold red wine, such as Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, to add depth to the dish. Additionally, we enhance the flavors with a touch of smoky bacon and incorporate soulful spices to create a unique fusion of French and Southern cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Coq au vin, so you can check it out.

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs) 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs)
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced 8 ounces (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) red wine (Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon) 2 cups (470ml) red wine (Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1 cup (235ml) chicken broth 1 cup (235ml) chicken broth
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 28g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 8g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
3. 3.
   Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In the same pot with the bacon fat, brown the chicken thighs on both sides until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat.
6. 6.
   Pour in the red wine and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.
7. 7.
   Return the chicken and bacon to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
8. 8.
   Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
9. 9.
   Remove the pot from the oven and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
10. 10.
    Serve the Soulful Coq au Vin hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For the best flavor and tenderness, use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs. They will add richness to the dish.
• Red wine — Choose a bold and full-bodied red wine, such as Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Bacon — Opt for smoky bacon to infuse the dish with a delicious smoky flavor.
• Mushrooms — Use cremini or button mushrooms for their earthy taste and meaty texture.
• Fresh thyme — The aromatic flavor of fresh thyme complements the dish perfectly. Remove the leaves from the sprigs before adding them to the pot.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
• Serve the Soulful Coq au Vin with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pot during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• For a touch of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Coq au Vin hot, allowing the rich aroma to entice your guests. Plate the chicken thighs with a generous ladle of the flavorful sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

For an elegant presentation, place the chicken thighs on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken and around the plate. Sprinkle some additional chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant touch.