If you want a meal that feels like a warm hug look no further. This Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin recipe is the ultimate French comfort food. It combines tender chicken smoky bacon and a rich red wine sauce.
Learning how to make Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin is simpler than you might think. This recipe brings gourmet flavors into your home kitchen with ease. Get ready to enjoy the most delicious and hearty Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin recipe tonight!
My Story With This Comforting Coq au Vin
I still remember the first time I tried a real Coq au Vin. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon and the house smelled like heaven. The Hairy Bikers always have a way of making fancy food feel accessible.
Their version of this French classic became a staple in my kitchen instantly.
I love how the chicken becomes so soft it almost falls off the bone. The wine creates a deep silky sauce that you just want to soak up with bread. It is the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go quiet.
You can taste the love and time put into the pot. Whenever I feel a bit down, I head to the kitchen to make this. It truly is the king of comfort foods for me and my family.
Equipment List
- Large heavy-based casserole pot with a lid
- Large frying pan
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring jug
- Tongs for turning chicken
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin
- Servings: 4 people
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 80 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: French
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed if preferred)
- 150g smoked bacon lardons or chopped streaky bacon
- 12 small shallots, peeled and left whole
- 250g button mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely crushed
- 500ml good quality red wine (Burgundy is traditional)
- 300ml chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A small knob of butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instruction for Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin
Brown the Chicken
Season your chicken thighs well with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large casserole pot over medium heat. Fry the chicken until the skin is golden and crisp on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Fry the Bacon and Shallots
Add the bacon lardons to the same pot. Fry them until they turn golden and the fat starts to melt. Add the whole shallots and cook for five minutes. The shallots should look lightly browned and smell very sweet.
Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
Stir in the mushrooms and the knob of butter. Cook for a few minutes until the mushrooms start to soften. Add the crushed garlic and stir for one minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn or turn bitter.
Add the Flour and Paste
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and bacon in the pot. Stir well to coat everything and cook for two minutes. This step is important to thicken the sauce later. Add the tomato purée and stir again.
Deglaze with Red Wine
Slowly pour the red wine into the pot while stirring constantly. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release all the tasty brown bits. This adds incredible depth to your Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin recipe.
Add Stock and Herbs
Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the wine liquid.
Simmer the Stew
Cover the pot with a tight lid and lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for about 45 to 50 minutes. The chicken should be very tender and the sauce should be thick. Check it occasionally to ensure it is not sticking.
Garnish and Serve
Taste the sauce and add more seasoning if you need it. Remove the woody herb stalks and the bay leaves. Sprinkle a generous handful of fresh parsley over the top. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich flavors.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy during long cooking times compared to chicken breasts.
- The Wine Matters: Use a wine you would actually enjoy drinking for the best sauce flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it without a lid for ten minutes.
- Go Meatless: Use large chunks of roasted cauliflower or firm tofu instead of chicken for vegetarians.
- Add Carrots: Many people like adding sliced carrots at the start for extra sweetness and color.
- Slow Cooker Version: You can put everything in a slow cooker for six hours on low heat.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Coq au Vin is a very famous dish from France. Historically it was a way to cook older roosters that had tough meat. Long, slow braising in wine helped soften the meat and make it edible.
Over time it became a beloved dish in French bistros and homes. The Hairy Bikers brought their own down-to-earth style to this classic. They simplified the steps while keeping the authentic deep flavors of the countryside.
What to Serve With This Dish
The best side for this dish is something that soaks up the sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice that everyone loves. You could also serve it with buttered egg noodles or crusty French bread.
For a lighter option try steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. A glass of the same red wine used in the cooking is the perfect drink.
Occasion or Event Ideas
This recipe is perfect for a cozy date night at home. It also works brilliantly for a Sunday family lunch instead of a roast. Because it stays warm in the pot, it is great for dinner parties.
You can prepare it ahead of time and just reheat it when guests arrive. It feels very fancy but is actually quite simple to put together.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to three months in a sealed bag.
- Reheating: Warm it slowly in a saucepan on the stove until the chicken is hot.
- Microwave: You can use a microwave, but the stove keeps the sauce texture better.
- Add Liquid: If the sauce is too thick after storage, add a splash of water.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
Is This Dish Good for You?
This dish is a great source of high-quality protein from the chicken. It contains many vegetables like shallots mushrooms and garlic which provide essential vitamins.
While it does contain bacon and butter, it is a balanced meal when served with greens. The red wine contains antioxidants that are good for the heart in moderation.
It is a wholesome, homemade meal that avoids the processed additives found in ready meals.
Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs skin removed if preferred
- 150 g smoked bacon lardons or chopped streaky bacon
- 12 small shallots peeled and left whole
- 250 g button mushrooms cleaned and halved
- 2 large garlic cloves finely crushed
- 500 ml good quality red wine Burgundy is traditional
- 300 ml chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A small knob of butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Chicken
- Season your chicken thighs well with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large casserole pot over medium heat. Fry the chicken until the skin is golden and crisp on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Fry the Bacon and Shallots
- Add the bacon lardons to the same pot. Fry them until they turn golden and the fat starts to melt. Add the whole shallots and cook for five minutes. The shallots should look lightly browned and smell very sweet.
Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic
- Stir in the mushrooms and the knob of butter. Cook for a few minutes until the mushrooms start to soften. Add the crushed garlic and stir for one minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn or turn bitter.
Add the Flour and Paste
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and bacon in the pot. Stir well to coat everything and cook for two minutes. This step is important to thicken the sauce later. Add the tomato purée and stir again.
Deglaze with Red Wine
- Slowly pour the red wine into the pot while stirring constantly. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release all the tasty brown bits. This adds incredible depth to your Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin recipe.
Add Stock and Herbs
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the wine liquid.
Simmer the Stew
- Cover the pot with a tight lid and lower the heat. Let it simmer gently for about 45 to 50 minutes. The chicken should be very tender and the sauce should be thick. Check it occasionally to ensure it is not sticking.
Garnish and Serve
- Taste the sauce and add more seasoning if you need it. Remove the woody herb stalks and the bay leaves. Sprinkle a generous handful of fresh parsley over the top. Serve it hot and enjoy the rich flavors.
Notes
- Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy during long cooking times compared to chicken breasts.
- The Wine Matters: Use a wine you would actually enjoy drinking for the best sauce flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it without a lid for ten minutes.
- Go Meatless: Use large chunks of roasted cauliflower or firm tofu instead of chicken for vegetarians.
- Add Carrots: Many people like adding sliced carrots at the start for extra sweetness and color.
- Slow Cooker Version: You can put everything in a slow cooker for six hours on low heat.
FAQs about Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin Recipe
Can I make this recipe without using any alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the red wine with extra chicken stock and a splash of balsamic vinegar. The vinegar adds the acidity that wine usually provides. However, the flavor will be less deep than the traditional version.
What is the best type of red wine to use for this?
A dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot works best for this recipe. Traditional French recipes often use Burgundy. Avoid using “cooking wine” from the grocery store as it contains too much salt.
Do I have to use whole shallots for the recipe?
You do not have to, but whole shallots look beautiful and taste very sweet. If you cannot find them, use two regular red onions cut into thick wedges. The taste will be very similar and just as delicious.
How do I prevent the chicken skin from getting soggy?
In a stew, the skin will naturally soften as it simmers in the liquid. If you prefer crispy skin, you can brown the chicken separately. Place the crispy chicken on top of the sauce right before serving.
Final Thoughts
Making this Hairy Bikers Coq au Vin recipe is a rewarding experience for any home cook. It fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma and results in a restaurant-quality meal.
By following these simple steps you can master a French classic without any stress. This dish is all about patience, good ingredients and enjoying the process of cooking.
Whether it is for a special occasion or a quiet night this recipe never fails to impress. Give it a try this week and share the warmth with your loved ones!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!