Swine & Sea — Coq Au Vin Blanc — French Creole Recipe

Coq Au Vin Blanc

Coq Au Vin Blanc, the lighter version of Coq au Vin translates to Rooster in White Wine. Originally created to braise the older tougher meat of a rooster. I like to cook this in a shallow pan, serving it family style, having a basket of a toasted baguette. Let everyone break off a piece of break and enjoy soaking up the gravy.

Recipe

Chicken

  • 1 Tbsp.

    butter

  • 4 oz.

    thick-cut bacon , sliced into 1/2-inch thick matchsticks

  • 8

    chicken thighs , bone-in, skin on

  • 1

    medium yellow onion , diced

  • 2

    garlic cloves , minced

  • 3

    large carrots , peeled and cut into 1" thick rounds

  • ¼ cup

    brandy

  • ½ bottle

    dry white wine

  • 1 cup

    chicken stock

  • 6 sprigs

    fresh thyme
Mushrooms

  • 3 Tbsp.

    unsalted butter

  • 1 cup

    button mushrooms

  • 8

    pearl onions , peeled
Finish

  • 1 Tbsp.

    butter

  • 1 Tbsp.

    all-purpose flour
Chicken
    Step 1

  • Preheat your oven to 350° F with a rack in the middle.

    • Step 2

  • In a large heavy-bottom skillet (or oven-safe pan), melt the butter and cook the bacon sticks over medium heat for 7-8 minutes until crispy. Set aside on a plate, keeping oil in pan.

    • Step 3

  • Place the chicken pieces into the skillet and cook for 5 minutes on each side, until the skin is golden. Set aside with the bacon, still keeping the oil in the pan.

    • Step 4

  • Add the carrots, onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally with a large wooden spoon, until lightly caramelized.

    • Step 5

  • Pour in the brandy (or cognac) and chicken stock, wine, and stir to combine – make sure to scrape off the bits from the bottom of the skillet.

    • Step 6

  • Add the chicken pieces back into the skillet and top with the bacon and sprigs of thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid and place in the oven.

    • Step 7

  • Cook for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.

Mushrooms
    Step 1

  • While the chicken cooks in the oven, melt 3 Tbsp. of butter in a pan over medium heat. Cook the mushrooms and pearl onion for about 10 minutes, until cooked through.

Finish
    Step 1

  • Remove the chicken from the oven.

    • Step 2

  • In a small bowl, mash together the butter and the flour and stir into the skillet with a fork (lumps may form at first, but they will dissolve as you stir).

    • Step 3

  • Add the pearl onions and mushrooms, and simmer over medium heat for about 10 extra minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly.

    • Step 4

  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.