Coq au Vin with Bacon, Mushrooms and Red Wine

Name: Coq au Vin with Bacon, Mushrooms and Red Wine
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1.5 kg bone-in chicken pieces; 150 g bacon, diced; 2 tbsp neutral oil; 2 whole onions, sliced; 2 whole carrots, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 250 g button mushrooms, halved; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 750 ml dry red wine; 250 ml chicken broth; 2 whole bay leaves; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp fine salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Chicken pieces braised in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, carrots and thyme.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 40 minMakes 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

Coq au vin is chicken braised slowly with red wine, bacon, mushrooms, onions and thyme. The source uses a whole chicken and a full bottle of wine; this version uses bone-in pieces so they fit a Dutch oven and cook evenly in a practical amount of liquid. Brown the chicken and bacon first, then simmer gently until the meat is tender and safely cooked. The sauce can be reduced at the end for a richer finish. Serve with potatoes, noodles or crusty bread. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until browned. Transfer to a plate, leaving a little fat in the pan. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper and brown in batches; transfer to the plate.

Coq au Vin with Bacon, Mushrooms and Red Wine

How to tell when it is ready

Chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part and is tender.

Tips

Dry chicken for better browning.
Brown pieces in batches.
Scrape browned bits into the sauce.
Simmer gently, not at a rolling boil.

Troubleshooting

If cooking is uneven, cut pieces to a similar size.
If the flavour is too strong, adjust with a little of the main liquid.

Substitutions

Use a similar neutral cooking oil if needed.
Choose a suitable broth or stock for the recipe.

Variations

Adjust herbs and seasoning to taste.
Add a little chilli for gentle heat.

Serving suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes.
Offer crusty baguette.
Pair with buttered noodles.
Add green beans.

Make ahead

Measure and prepare ingredients in advance; complete cooking shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains chicken, wheat and alcohol. Cook poultry to 74°C (165°F); refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly; finish close to serving.

How should I store coq au vin (chicken braised in red wine)?

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and chill leftovers without delay.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Coq au Vin with Bacon, Mushrooms and Red Wine