Burgundy-Infused Coq au Vin with Pearl Onions
A true French bistro classic where chicken braises slowly in Pinot Noir with pearl onions and mushrooms, achieving authentic depth through slow reduction and quality ingredients. This french-inspired beef ready in about 90 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, duck fat, (Pinot Noir) red wine for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp duck fat
- 1 cup (Pinot Noir) red wine
- 3 oz diced bacon
- 1 cup, peeled pearl onions
- 8 oz, quartered cremini mushrooms
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 thyme sprigs
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup chicken stock
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry, season with salt and pepper, then sear in 2 tbsp duck fat in a heavy pot over medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Render diced bacon in the same pot for 3 minutes until crisp, add pearl onions and mushrooms, and cook for 5 minutes until onions soften and mushrooms brown slightly.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour to form a paste, then slowly pour in 1 cup Pinot Noir while scraping the bottom of the pot, adding 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 thyme sprigs, and simmer for 2 minutes until alcohol evaporates.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the pot, add 1 cup chicken stock, and bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour until chicken is tender and sauce has reduced to coat the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Burgundy-Infused Coq au Vin with Pearl Onions take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Burgundy-Infused Coq au Vin with Pearl Onions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep duck fat from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Burgundy-Infused Coq au Vin with Pearl Onions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Burgundy-Infused Coq au Vin with Pearl Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Burgundy-Infused Coq au Vin with Pearl Onions?
French beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.