Coq au Vin Without Wine: Alcohol-Free French Recipe

Ingredients

Chicken & fat

6 pieces bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
5 oz ounces beef bacon or turkey lardons (diced)
2 tbsp tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly cracked black pepper

The vegetables

1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
2 medium carrots (sliced into thick coins)
4 cloves garlic (smashed)
8 oz ounces cremini or button mushrooms (halved)
10 oz ounces pearl onions (fresh or frozen)

The braising liquid

1.5 cups cups 100% red grape juice (unsweetened)
1.5 cups cups rich chicken stock
3 tbsp tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp tablespoons tomato paste
2 leaves bay leaves
4 sprigs sprigs fresh thyme

Beurre manié (thickener)

2 tbsp tablespoons softened butter
2 tbsp tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

Step-by-Step

Render the lardons.

Sear the chicken.

Sweat the aromatics.

Bloom the tomato paste.

Build the braising liquid.

Braise the chicken.

Cook the mushrooms and pearl onions separately.

Thicken with beurre manié.

Finish and serve.

Notes

This recipe is a variation of the classic Coq au Vin, made without wine. It uses a mix of grape juice, chicken stock, balsamic vinegar, and tomato paste to create a rich and flavorful sauce.