How do I make a cozy coq au vin?

Bring the warmth of French countryside to your kitchen with our delightful recipe for Coq au Vin. A flavorful dish that will make you say 'ooh la la!'

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make a cozy Coq au Vin. Items include: Chicken Red Wine Brandy Garlic Thyme Rosemary Bay Leaves Salt Pepper Bacon Onions Carrots Mushrooms Chicken Broth Butter Flour Fresh Parsley

Chicken 4 pounds, cut into pieces
Red Wine 1 bottle (750ml)
Brandy 1/4 cup
Garlic 4 cloves, minced
Thyme 2 sprigs
Rosemary 1 sprig
Bay Leaves 2 leaves
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Bacon 4 slices, chopped
Onions 2 medium, chopped
Carrots 2 medium, sliced
Mushrooms 8 ounces, sliced
Chicken Broth 2 cups
Butter 2 tablespoons
Flour 2 tablespoons
Fresh Parsley For garnish

Take note
Be careful when handling hot liquids and sharp knives. And remember, the Coq au Vin may be so delicious that you risk falling head over heels in love with it!

1

Immerse Yourself in Flavorville: Marinating the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-lock bag. Add red wine, brandy, garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let the chicken take a delicious bath in this marinade for at least 4 hours or overnight. It's like sending your taste buds on a luxurious vacation!

2

Sauté Like a French Master: Cooking the Bacon and Veggies

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, but be strong and resist snacking on them! In the same pot, cook the onions, carrots, and mushrooms until they're tender and a little golden. You're creating a dreamy flavor foundation here!

3

The Chicken Has Landed: Browning and Braising

Remove the chicken from the marinade (but keep the marinade - it's essential for the sauce later). Dry the chicken pieces with paper towels, then season them with salt and pepper. In the same pot, brown the chicken on all sides to develop a beautiful crust. It's like giving the chicken a makeover! Once the chicken is golden, remove it from the pot and set it aside with the bacon.

4

Sauce Like a Saucy Celeb: Creating the Delicious Sauce

Pour the marinade into the pot and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate. This is your chance to impress your dinner companions with some fancy cooking chemistry! Add chicken broth and return the bacon and chicken to the pot. Cover and let everything simmer on low heat for about an hour. Time to let those flavors meld into a symphony of yum!

5

Thicken Me Softly: Finishing Touches

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute or two to make a roux. Ladle some of the liquid from the pot into the saucepan and whisk until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot and give everything a gentle stir. It's like adding a cozy blanket to your dish and making it all snug. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens. This is where the magic happens!

6

Bon Appétit: Serving Up the Cozy Coq au Vin

Garnish your Coq au Vin with fresh parsley, then serve it up with warm, crusty French bread or a side of buttery mashed potatoes. Brace yourself for the moment of truth when you take that first bite. Get ready for flavors that will transport you to a charming French countryside cottage. Enjoy every single mouthful, savoring it like you're a Michelin-starred food critic!