Discover the rich flavors of Poulet au Vin, a classic French dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a luscious red wine sauce. This recipe combines hearty vegetables, aromatic spices, and a velvety wine reduction to create a comforting, gourmet meal. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, this Poulet au Vin recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and elegant presentation.

Ingredients:

- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs

- 1 cup red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)

- 1 cup chicken broth

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 2 carrots, sliced

- 2 celery stalks, sliced

- 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced

- 2 tablespoons tomato paste

- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

  - Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

  - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

  - Add the chicken thighs and brown on both sides until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

  - In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  - Add the mushrooms and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Make the Sauce:

  - Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.

  - Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.

  - Gradually pour in the red wine and chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Simmer:

  - Add the bay leaves and thyme. Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet.

  - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Finish and Serve:

  - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Increase the heat to medium and let the sauce reduce for about 5-10 minutes, or until thickened.

  - Return the chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and heat through.

  - Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Poulet au Vin over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. Enjoy this elegant French classic with a glass of the same red wine used in the recipe.

Nutritional Values

Chicken Thighs

 - Calories: 209 kcal

 - Protein: 26 g

 - Fat: 11 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth.

 - Vitamins: Rich in B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, which support energy metabolism and red blood cell formation.

 - Minerals: Provides zinc and iron, crucial for immune function and oxygen transport.

Red Wine

 - Calories: 85 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 2.6 g

 - Alcohol: 10-12%

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Contains polyphenols, like resveratrol, which have antioxidant properties that may benefit heart health.

 - Polyphenols: May help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.

Chicken Broth

 - Calories: 5 kcal

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Hydration: Helps maintain hydration and provides a base for flavor without adding many calories.

 - Minerals: Contains trace minerals that support various bodily functions.

Olive Oil

 - Calories: 884 kcal

 - Fat: 100 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Healthy Fats: High in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

 - Antioxidants: Rich in vitamin E and polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative stress.

Onion

 - Calories: 40 kcal

 - Protein: 1.1 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 9 g

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Contains quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

 - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.

Garlic

 - Calories: 149 kcal

 - Protein: 6.4 g

 - Fat: 0.5 g

 - Carbohydrates: 33 g

Benefits:

 - Antimicrobial: Contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - Heart Health: May help reduce cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

Carrots

 - Calories: 41 kcal

 - Protein: 0.9 g

 - Fat: 0.2 g

 - Carbohydrates: 10 g

Benefits:

 - Vitamin A: High in beta-carotene, which supports vision and immune function.

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

Celery

 - Calories: 16 kcal

 - Protein: 0.7 g

 - Fat: 0.2 g

 - Carbohydrates: 3 g

Benefits:

 - Hydration: High water content helps with hydration.

 - Fiber: Provides dietary fiber that supports digestive health.

Mushrooms

 - Calories: 22 kcal

 - Protein: 3.1 g

 - Fat: 0.3 g

 - Carbohydrates: 3.3 g

Benefits:

 - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in B vitamins, selenium, and potassium.

 - Antioxidants: Contains ergothioneine, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress.

Tomato Paste

 - Calories: 82 kcal

 - Protein: 4.3 g

 - Fat: 0.6 g

 - Carbohydrates: 18 g

Benefits:

 - Lycopene: High in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers.

 - Vitamins: Provides vitamin C and A, supporting overall health.

Bay Leaves

 - Calories: 313 kcal

 - Protein: 7.6 g

 - Fat: 8.4 g

 - Carbohydrates: 75 g

Benefits:

 - Digestive Health: May aid digestion and help reduce gastrointestinal issues.

 - Antioxidants: Contains compounds that have antioxidant properties.

Thyme

 - Calories: 101 kcal

 - Protein: 5.4 g

 - Fat: 1.7 g

 - Carbohydrates: 24 g

Benefits:

 - Antimicrobial: Has antimicrobial properties that can support immune health.

 - Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamins C and A, and minerals like iron and manganese.