Julia Child’s Coq Au Vin is undeniably the best. This recipe sticks very much to the original, only minorly changing the ingredients and cooking method to bring it in line with the times. While Coq au Vin (or chicken in wine) might sound fancy, it is really just a simple French chicken stew that anyone can master. Don’t be intimidated, this recipe is very easy to follow.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs
4 chicken drumsticks
1 ½ cups red wine
1 cup chicken stock
Optional: ¼ cup brandy
3 strips bacon (cut into ½ inch pieces)
1 medium onion (quartered then thinly sliced)
4 medium carrots (cut into 1-inch piece)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
8 ounces mushrooms (thickly sliced)
8 ounces pearl onions (peeled)
Beurre manie (see notes for the options)