Indulge in the rich flavors of France with our exquisite Coq au Vin. This timeless dish features tender chicken pieces, braised to perfection in a luscious red wine sauce infused with aromatic herbs, mushrooms, and pearl onions. Each succulent bite offers a harmony of savory and robust notes, making it a quintessential French culinary experience. Elevate your dining affair with this traditional masterpiece, sure to delight even the most discerning palate. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 12-16 pearl onions, peeled
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.

2- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.

3- Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the chicken pieces in batches and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken pieces and set them aside.

4- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and carrots. Cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

5- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to make a roux.

6- Slowly pour in the red wine and chicken broth, stirring constantly to incorporate the liquid into the roux and prevent lumps from forming.

7- Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Add the cooked bacon, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

8- While the chicken is cooking, in a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms in a little butter until they are golden brown. Set them aside.

9- In the same pan, add the pearl onions and cook them until they are lightly browned and caramelized. Set them aside.

10- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves.

11- Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer and reduce until it thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.

12- Return the chicken, mushrooms, and pearl onions to the pot. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to heat everything through.

13- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

14- Serve the Coq au Vin hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Enjoy your homemade Coq au Vin, a delicious taste of French cuisine!

Nutritional Values:

Chicken (skinless, bone-in, breast, cooked, roasted - 3 ounces):

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 3.6g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium, which support overall health.

Bacon (pan-fried - 1 slice):

• Calories: 42
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Provides protein and fat, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
• Contains essential nutrients like B vitamins (especially B12), selenium, and zinc.

Butter (unsalted - 1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 102
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 11.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Good source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K.
• Adds richness and flavor to dishes

Red wine (Pinot Noir - 1 cup):

• Calories: 125
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3.8g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which may have heart-healthy benefits.
• Moderate consumption may help reduce the risk of certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease.

Chicken broth (canned, low sodium - 1 cup):

• Calories: 38
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Hydrating and low in calories.
• Contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Mushrooms (sliced, white, raw - 1 cup):

• Calories: 15
• Protein: 2.2g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 2.3g
• Fiber: 0.7g

Pearl onions (boiled or steamed - 1 cup):

• Calories: 72
• Protein: 1.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3.2g

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as portion size, cooking methods, and specific product brands used.