Simple and Easy Coq au Vin for 8

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 2 carrots, chopped (1 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups dry red wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cold water (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

1 hour and 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or braising pan over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 5 minutes, or until reduced by half.
5. Add the broth and seasonings: Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Return the chicken: Add the browned chicken thighs back to the pan.
7. Cover and cook: Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
8. Thicken the sauce (optional): If desired, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Remove the chicken from the pan and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the pan and heat through.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Dish Characteristics:

• Tender and flavorful chicken in a rich and aromatic sauce
• Classic French dish made with easily available American ingredients
• Ideal for dinner parties or special occasions

User Comments:

• "This Coq au Vin was so easy to make and absolutely delicious. The chicken was fall-off-the-bone tender and the sauce was perfect."
• "I'm not a huge red wine fan, but I loved this dish! The sauce was flavorful and the chicken was moist."
• "This was my first time making Coq au Vin and it was a huge success. My guests were all raving about it."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good quality dry red wine for the best flavor.
• If you don't have time to simmer the chicken for an hour, you can cook it in a pressure cooker for 30 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 45 minutes.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.