Pin It Experience a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic French Coq au Vin with this budget-friendly recipe. Using skin-on chicken drumsticks simmered slowly in red wine alongside aromatic vegetables and herbs, this dish delivers comfort and rich taste perfect for a cozy weekend feast. Its depth of flavor and approachable ingredients make it ideal for home cooks looking to impress without overspending.
Pin It This Budget Coq au Vin recipe brings the warmth and elegance of French cuisine to your table with minimal fuss. The slow braising process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken enveloped in a luscious, wine-infused sauce. Perfect for sharing and savoring over a relaxed meal, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on; salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 150 g (5 oz) smoked bacon or pancetta, diced; 2 large onions, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds; 250 g (9 oz) cremini or button mushrooms, quartered
- Braising Liquid & Flavor: 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 500 ml (2 cups) dry red wine; 250 ml (1 cup) chicken stock; 2 bay leaves; 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried); 1 teaspoon sugar
- To Finish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare chicken
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2. Brown chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the drumsticks in batches for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- 3. Cook bacon
- In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and diced bacon. Cook for 4 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
- 4. Sauté vegetables
- Add the onions, garlic, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- 5. Add mushrooms
- Stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes.
- 6. Incorporate tomato paste
- Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- 7. Combine all
- Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the red wine and chicken stock. Add the bay leaves, thyme, and sugar.
- 8. Simmer covered
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 9. Reduce sauce
- Uncover and simmer for another 10–15 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
- 10. Final touches
- Discard the bay leaves and thyme stems. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 11. Garnish
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the chicken skin is patted dry thoroughly before seasoning to achieve a rich golden-brown sear. Browning the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding and helps develop a flavorful crust. Stir the tomato paste well during cooking to caramelize slightly, enhancing the sauce's depth.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a different cut, substitute chicken drumsticks with thighs. Choose gluten-free stock and bacon if you require a gluten-free version. To boost flavor, marinate the chicken in red wine with bay leaf and thyme for a few hours before cooking.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles for a complete meal. A side of steamed green vegetables adds a fresh balance to the rich flavors.
Pin It With its rich sauce and tender chicken, this Budget Coq au Vin Style Chicken Drumsticks recipe perfectly combines simple ingredients to create a memorable meal. Whether for a family dinner or a small gathering, it promises comfort and classic flavors that everyone will appreciate.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, chicken thighs make a great alternative and will yield tender, flavorful results when braised similarly.
- → What wine type works best for cooking?
A dry red wine with good acidity such as Pinot Noir or Merlot complements the dish’s richness well.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken for deeper flavor?
Marinating the chicken in wine with bay leaves and thyme for 2-4 hours before cooking intensifies the flavors.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely, this dish tastes even better the next day after flavors meld and can be reheated gently before serving.
- → What are good side dishes to serve?
Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles pair wonderfully to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally dairy-free as it uses olive oil and broth without any butter or cream.