French Coq au Vin: A Rustic Delight

 French Coq au Vin: A Rustic Delight

Ingredients:

• 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine (such as Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 10-12 small mushrooms, quartered
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. In the same pot with the bacon drippings, brown the chicken thighs on both sides until they turn golden. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Return the cooked bacon and chicken thighs to the pot. Pour in the red wine and chicken broth.
6. Add the mushrooms, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
8. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Garnish with fresh parsley.
9. Serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.