The Ultimate Coq au Vin Recipe with Cognac for a Special Dinner

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that is hearty, comforting, and full of rich flavors. This traditional recipe involves slow-cooking chicken in red wine with bacon, vegetables, and fragrant herbs. However, to take this dish to the next level, we have added a touch of cognac to the recipe, which lends a deep, complex flavor to the sauce. The cognac not only adds depth but also balances the acidity of the wine, resulting in a velvety, luscious sauce that coats the tender chicken pieces and earthy mushrooms. This Coq au Vin with Cognac recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends and family, or a special occasion meal that is sure to impress.

Sure, here’s a recipe for Coq au Vin with Cognac:

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1/2 lb bacon, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup red wine
1/4 cup cognac
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 lb mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large Dutch oven or casserole, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same pot, add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
Add onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
Add tomato paste and stir to combine.
Pour in chicken broth, red wine, and cognac. Bring to a simmer.
Add thyme, bay leaves, and bacon.
Return chicken to the pot and cover with a lid. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
In a skillet, sauté mushrooms in butter until they release their liquid and are golden brown.
Add mushrooms to the pot and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or roasted potatoes.

Enjoy your delicious Coq au Vin with Cognac!