Coq au Vin Francés - traditional recipe

What does it include?

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken, in pieces
• 30 ml olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 250g mushrooms, thickly sliced
• 200 ml red wine
• 500 ml chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 5 ml fresh thyme
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare it step by step?

Preparation

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
4. Return the chicken to the pot, add the red wine, broth, bay leaf, thyme, carrot, and celery. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 2 hours, or until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened. Check occasionally and adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, garnishing with fresh thyme if desired.