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Julia Child’s Coq au Vin Recipe

Julia Child’s Coq au Vin Recipe

Emily Grace
If you want to taste classic French cooking at home, Julia Child’s Coq au Vin Recipe is perfect. This dish is full of rich flavors, tender chicken and a delicious red wine sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 oz bacon chopped
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups red wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper. This helps the chicken brown nicely and keeps it juicy inside.

Cook the Bacon

  • Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside for later.

Brown the Chicken

  • Add olive oil to the bacon fat. Brown chicken on all sides. Remove chicken and place aside.

Cook Vegetables

  • In the same pot, add onion, carrot, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Add Flour

  • Sprinkle flour over vegetables. Stir for 2 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce later for a rich texture.

Add Wine and Broth

  • Pour in red wine and chicken broth. Stir well. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.

Add Chicken and Herbs

  • Return chicken and bacon to the pot. Add tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Mix gently to combine all flavors.

Simmer the Dish

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Chicken becomes tender and flavorful.

Cook the Mushrooms

  • In a separate skillet, melt butter. Sauté mushrooms until golden brown. This adds a rich earthy flavor to the dish.

Combine and Finish

  • Add mushrooms to the chicken. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley before serving for fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Use a full-bodied red wine for better flavor.
  • Let chicken sit at room temperature before cooking.
  • Brown chicken well to lock in juices.
  • Don’t rush simmering; slow cooking enhances flavor.
  • Adjust salt and pepper at the end for perfect taste.
Keyword Julia Child’s Coq au Vin Recipe