Welcome to my cozy kitchen today. We are making a classic French meal. This Hairy Bikers Coq Au Vin Recipe is amazing. It is very warm and very filling. You will love this simple home cooking.

It is a great choice for family dinner. You will learn how to make Hairy Bikers Coq Au Vin. We will use fresh and simple items. Get your ingredients for Hairy Bikers Coq Au Vin now. Let us start this tasty journey together.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The flavor of this dish is very deep. It has a very rich wine taste. The red wine adds a bold punch. You will love the salty bacon bits. The chicken stays very moist and soft. It falls off the bone quite easily.

This dish is very simple to make. It takes some time to simmer. Your house will smell amazing very soon. It is a perfect slow weekend meal. The sauce is dark and very glossy. It looks very professional and elegant.

The Hairy Bikers know how to cook. They made this recipe very easy. Anyone can cook this at home now. It takes about ninety minutes total. Most of that is hands-off time. You can relax while the pot bubbles.

Equipment List

Large Casserole Pot: You need a pot with a lid. It must hold all the ingredients together. It keeps the heat inside the pot.

Sharp Chef Knife: You need to chop the bacon well. It makes your prep work very fast. Keep the blade very sharp for safety.

Wooden Mixing Spoon: Use this to stir your pot. It will not scratch the pot base. It is very easy to hold.

Fine Mesh Sieve: Use this for the white flour. It keeps the sauce very smooth. It prevents any large flour lumps.

Large Metal Tongs: Use these to turn the chicken. They give you a very good grip. They keep your hands away from heat.

Measuring Jug: Measure your wine and chicken stock. Accuracy helps the sauce turn out well. Do not guess the liquid amounts.

Heavy Cutting Board: Use a heavy wood cutting board. It stays still while you chop. It protects your clean kitchen counter.

Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Coq Au Vin

Chicken Thighs: Use thighs with the bone in. They have the most flavor for stews. The meat stays very tender and juicy.

Smoked Bacon: Buy thick pieces of smoked bacon. Chop them into small salty bits. They add a great smoky taste.

Red Wine: A dark red wine is best. It makes the sauce look very beautiful. It adds a deep fruity flavor.

Button Mushrooms: Keep these small mushrooms whole. They soak up the red wine. They have a very meaty texture.

Small Onions: Use whole pearl onions for this. They look great in the final dish. They taste sweet when they cook.

Fresh Garlic: Peel and crush the garlic cloves. Garlic adds a warm spicy kick. It balances the wine flavor well.

Chicken Stock: Use a high quality chicken stock. It adds more body to the sauce. It keeps the whole dish juicy.

Fresh Thyme: This herb smells like the woods. It pairs very well with chicken. Use whole sprigs for the flavor.

Plain Flour: You need this for the chicken. It helps the sauce get very thick. It creates a nice golden crust.

Unsalted Butter: Butter makes the sauce very shiny. It adds a creamy feeling. Use it at the very end.

Vegetable Oil: Use this to fry the meat. It handles high heat very well. It prevents the butter from burning.

Dried Bay Leaves: These add a subtle herbal note. They make the stew smell classic. Remove them before you serve food.

How to Assemble Hairy Bikers Coq Au Vin

Step 1:

Place your chicken on a clean plate. Season it with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle flour over the chicken pieces now. Shake off any extra white flour. This makes the chicken skin very crisp.

Step 2:

Heat oil in your large casserole pot. Add the chopped bacon pieces now. Fry them until they are very crispy. The fat will melt into the pot. Remove the bacon with a metal spoon.

Step 3:

Put the chicken in the hot pot. Cook until the skin is very brown. Do this in small batches today. Do not crowd the large pot. Set the brown chicken aside for later.

Step 4:

Add the onions to the bacon fat. Fry them until they turn very gold. Add the garlic after a minute. Stir them to stop any burning. The smell will be very good now.

Step 5:

Pour in the whole bottle of wine. Use the spoon to scrape the bits. These bits hold all the flavor. Let the wine bubble for five minutes. This removes the sharp alcohol taste.

Step 6:

Add the chicken stock to the wine. Put the chicken and bacon back in. Add the mushrooms and the herbs now. Make sure the liquid covers the meat. Put the lid on the pot tightly.

Step 7:

Turn the heat down very low now. Let it simmer for one full hour. The meat should be very tender now. Check the sauce for thickness today. Add butter for a very glossy finish.

Recipe Notes

Tip 1: Use a good quality red wine for flavor.
Tip 2: Brown the chicken well for a better color.
Tip 3: Do not rush the slow cooking process today.
Tip 4: Fresh thyme works better than the dried kind.
Tip 5: Keep the lid on to keep chicken moist.
Tip 6: Deglaze the pan well for extra flavor bits.

How To Store Leftover

Put your leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for three days. The flavor gets even better over time. Reheat it very slowly on the stove. Add a splash of stock if dry.

You can also freeze it for one month. Use a freezer bag for easy storage. Label the bag with the current date.

Sides & Pairings Suggestions

Serve this dish with creamy mashed potatoes. They soak up the rich red wine sauce. Green beans add a nice crunch and color. A crusty loaf of bread is also great.

Use it to wipe your plate clean. A glass of red wine pairs perfectly here. You can also try some buttery side dishes. These make the meal feel very complete.

Nutritions

Nutrient	Value
Calories	465 kcal
Total Fat	24 g
Protein	38 g
Carbohydrates	14 g
Sodium	650 mg

FAQs about Hairy Bikers Coq Au Vin Recipe

What wine is best for this?

Use a dry red wine like Burgundy. It gives the sauce a traditional deep flavor. Avoid using very sweet dessert wines.

Can I use chicken breast?

Chicken thighs are better for slow cooking. Breasts might get too dry and very tough. Thighs stay juicy and very tender.

Is this dish kid friendly?

The alcohol cooks out during the process. It leaves a rich and mild flavor. Most kids love the soft chicken meat.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker. Brown the meat in a pan first. Cook on low for six hours total.

Final Thoughts

Making this dish is a real joy. Your family will love the cozy vibes. It is a true French classic for home. The sauce is the best part of it.

Ensure you have bread for the sauce. Enjoy every single bite of this meal! Cooking should always feel this fun and easy.