Simplified Coq au Vin with Mushrooms

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and onions, creating a rich, aromatic French classic. This french-inspired one pot ready in about 100 minutes pairs chicken thighs, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 75 min Serves 4 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry, season with 1 tbsp all-purpose flour and salt; sear in 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side until golden.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken, add diced 1 medium onion and sliced 2 medium carrots to the pot; cook 4 minutes until softened, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz quartered cremini mushrooms and 2 tbsp tomato paste; cook 2 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and mixture is aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Deglaze with 1 cup red wine, scraping browned bits; add 1 cup chicken broth, 2 thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf, then return chicken to pot.
  5. Step 5: Simmer covered on low heat for 60 minutes until chicken is fork-tender and sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simplified Coq au Vin with Mushrooms take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (25 min prep + 75 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 Simplified Coq au Vin with Mushrooms?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simplified Coq au Vin with Mushrooms?

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 Simplified Coq au Vin with Mushrooms 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 Simplified Coq au Vin with Mushrooms?

French one pot 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.

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