Julia Child-Inspired Coq au Vin Recipe for Elegant French Dining
Transport your taste buds to the French countryside with our Julia Child-inspired Coq au Vin recipe! Perfect for an elegant French dinner or our Aquarius-themed dinner party, this dish is rich, flavourful, and designed to impress.
Coq au Vin, which translates to "rooster in wine," is a dish rooted in French culinary tradition. Its rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken make it a dish of comfort and sophistication. Inspired by Julia Child’s masterpiece, this recipe captures the magic of intentional dining and brings it to your table.
We chose Coq au Vin for its bold flavours and timeless appeal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that shines in any gathering, but it truly comes alive during our Vinyl & Visions Aquarius Dinner, where we celebrate eccentricity and creativity. Pairing it with groovy tunes and vibrant decor creates a culinary experience that’s out of this world.
Essential Ingredients for Julia Child Coq au Vin
Whole Chicken: Essential for an authentic Coq au Vin recipe, a free-range chicken brings unmatched tenderness.
Red Wine: Choose a Burgundy or Pinot Noir for the perfect balance in this classic French dish.
Pancetta or Bacon: Adds a smoky depth to this Julia Child Coq au Vin-inspired recipe.
FULL INGREDIENT LIST:
For the Chicken:
1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into 8 pieces
2-3 tbsp olive oil
4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
2 cups dry red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
1 cup beef stock
2 tbsp cognac or brandy (optional, for flaming)
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Garnish:
1 tbsp butter
8-10 pearl onions, peeled
8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
How to Make Julia Child-Inspired Coq au Vin Step-by-Step
Step 1: Sear the Chicken Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and cook diced pancetta until crisp. Remove and set aside. Increase heat, sear chicken pieces until golden on all sides, then remove from the pot.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Add tomato paste and garlic to the pot, stirring until aromatic. Deglaze with red wine and beef stock, scraping up any browned bits. Add bay leaf and thyme, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Stir in a roux (equal parts butter and flour) until incorporated.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection Return the chicken and pancetta to the pot, ensuring the pieces are submerged. Cover and bake in a 350° oven for 30-40 minutes, until tender and juicy.
Step 4: Prepare the Garnish In a skillet, melt butter and sauté pearl onions until golden. Add chicken stock, cover, and simmer until tender. Repeat with mushrooms, stirring in flour to coat.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Serve Remove chicken from the pot. Strain the sauce if desired, then add onions, mushrooms, and pancetta. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Return chicken to the pot to warm through. Serve with duchess potatoes and haricots verts for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Julia Child-Inspired Coq au Vin and Hosting a Memorable Gathering
Hosting a retro dinner party? Pair this Julia Child-inspired Coq au Vin with duchess potatoes and our Vinyl & Vision Playlist for the perfect throwback vibe. For the wine, stick with Burgundy for the best results.
Tools and Tips for Perfecting Coq au Vin
Dutch Oven Love: A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, like our favorite Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Oval Dutch Oven, ensures even cooking and locks in flavor.
Sharp Knives, Happy Life: A quality knife set is essential for cutting up your chicken with ease. We swear by the HENCKELS 14-Piece Self-Sharpening Knife Block Set.
Tongs for the Win: Protect yourself from spattering oil during searing with long, heat-resistant tongs—your hands will thank you!
Add Drama (Optional): Flaming with cognac isn’t just fun—it adds incredible depth of flavor and a touch of showmanship.
Prep Like a Pro: Simplify your cooking by preparing all your ingredients ahead of time. A little mise en place goes a long way!
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We hope this Julia Child-inspired Coq au Vin becomes a favourite for your gatherings. Looking for more hosting inspiration? Check out our Vinyl & Visions Aquarius Gathering Guidebook from the Cosmic Dinner Collection or explore our Studio Seventy-7 retro tablescape blog post for more dinner party ideas. Leave us a comment and let us know how you’re bringing intentional dining to your table!
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