Delicious Chicken Thighs Recipe with a Twist
Are you bored of preparing and cooking the same old chicken recipes? Do you want to switch up your usual dinner routine and impress your family or guests with a delicious and elegant meal? Try out my recipe for Chicken Thighs with Cognac & Red Wine.
This dish is a twist on the classic French stew, Coq au Vin, which typically features chicken braised in red wine with bacon and mushrooms. In this version, we add the rich flavors of cognac and canned whole tomatoes to elevate the dish even further.
Cooking this dish will require some time and effort, but I promise you that the end result will be worth it. The tender and juicy chicken thighs and the savory sauce with a hint of sweetness will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
So grab a Dutch oven or skillet and get ready to create something extraordinary. Let’s dive into the ingredients list and start cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Thighs with Cognac & Red Wine is a classic French dish that will leave your taste buds singing with joy. This recipe is perfect for those who love the complexity of flavors that come with wine and cognac sauces. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a delicious and hearty meal that can be served for any occasion.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is the combination of flavors that create the perfect balance. The chicken is seasoned with rosemary, paprika, cracked black pepper, kosher salt, garlic cloves, and flour to create a delicious crust when fried in canola oil. The sauce is made from onions, canned whole tomatoes, red wine, and cognac that simmers together to create a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the recipe to meet your tastes by substituting or adding different ingredients. For example, you can switch out the chicken thighs for chicken legs or drumsticks. You can also add mushrooms to the sauce or make it creamier with a mushroom or cream sauce.
This recipe is also perfect for those who are looking for a make-ahead meal that can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. By making a large batch of this dish, you can have dinner ready in no time on busy weeknights.
Lastly, this dish pairs perfectly with many side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or polenta. With its complex flavors and versatility, Chicken Thighs with Cognac & Red Wine will quickly become a favorite in your household.
In conclusion, Chicken Thighs with Cognac & Red Wine is an outstanding recipe worth trying if you’re looking for something deliciously satisfying with rich flavors that harmonize perfectly together. Trust me – once you’ve tried this mouth-watering meal you’ll certainly want to recreate it over and over again.
Ingredient List
- 4 chicken thighs, with bone and skin
- 3 chicken drumsticks
- 3 slices of bacon, diced
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1 tsp of kosher salt
- Cracked black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 1/2 cup cognac
- 1 cup canned whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken stock
Additional suggestions:
If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead, cut them into thirds and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter flavor. If you like mushrooms in your dish, add them in halfway through the cooking process for a delicious mushroom sauce.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Thighs
First, I wash 4 chicken thighs, then pat them dry with paper towels. Next, in a small bowl, I combine 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cracked black pepper.
Once mixed well, I sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the chicken until it is generously coated.
Step 2: Searing the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat up 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Before adding the chicken, I lightly dredge it in flour. Once the pan is hot, I add the chicken and allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it is golden brown.
Once cooked thoroughly on both sides,I transfer the chicken to a plate and set them aside for later use.
Step 3: Making the Wine Sauce
After removing the chicken from the skillet, with flame still at medium-high heat, I add 1/2 cup of chopped onion and minced garlic cloves in the same skillet . With constant stirring and scraping down any brown bits on the bottom of the pan, I allow them to cook while mixing them often for about 2 minutes or until softened.
Next, I pour in 1 cup of canned whole tomatoes, followed by 1 cup red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Syrah and 1/4 cup cognac. These ingredients create a velvety rich sauce when slowly reduced with chicken thighs.
Finally, I stir in fresh rosemary sprigs remove from stem (approximatelt 2) .
With that done , reduce heat to low-medium and let simmer while constantly mixing for about 5 minutes or until liquid is reduced by half .
While still cooking pour in 1 cup chicken broth, stirring occasionally, before adding the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
Step 4: Finishing the Dish
Now that everything is all set, I take the entire skillet and place it in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until fully cooked.
Once done, allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Note: This chicken red wine, cognac and tomato sauce recipe can easily be made with other meat options such as chicken legs, thighs and even boneless skinless chicken breast.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is the ability to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can make to this chicken thighs with cognac and red wine recipe.
1. Wine: Instead of using red wine, you can use white wine or even champagne for a lighter flavor.
2. Meat: If you prefer boneless chicken or chicken breasts, you can use those instead of chicken thighs.
3. Vegetables: The recipe calls for onions and canned whole tomatoes, but you can also add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
4. Spices: This recipe uses rosemary, paprika, cracked black pepper, kosher salt, and garlic cloves to give it a flavorful kick. However, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme or basil, adjust the amount of spices according to your preference.
5. Sauce: If you want a creamier sauce, you can add heavy cream at the end when the chicken is already cooked through. You can also create a mushroom sauce by adding sliced mushrooms and cooking them until they are tender.
6. Cooking Method: For a more rustic feel, you can use a Dutch oven or a crockpot instead of a skillet, which would result in tender meat that falls off the bone.
Remember that cooking is all about trying new things and finding what works best for your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients and techniques to create your own version of this delicious chicken thighs with cognac and red wine recipe!
Serving and Pairing
After simmering in a rich, aromatic sauce, the chicken thighs with cognac and red wine recipe is ready to be served. I suggest serving this dish on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious cooking juices.
As for wine pairing, a hearty red wine such as a Burgundy or Bordeaux would complement the flavors of the chicken braised in red wine and cognac sauce perfectly. For a white alternative, a Chardonnay would do the trick as well.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing this dish with a side of roasted brussels sprouts or a green bean salad with crunchy walnuts and tart cranberries for an added depth of flavor.
This recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, as well as for entertaining guests on special occasions. Its classic French taste and aroma will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Paris, without ever leaving your kitchen.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Chicken Thighs With Cognac & Red Wine recipe is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can make the dish up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and enjoy.
To make this recipe ahead of time, cook the chicken thighs, make the cognac and red wine sauce, and then let the dish cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to two days.
When you’re ready to serve, take the container out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. While it’s warming up, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little bit of canola oil, then reheat the chicken until it’s heated through. Be sure not to overcook the chicken, as that will dry it out.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently heat the chicken in a skillet or in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through.
With this recipe, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. It’s just as delicious when reheated as it is when freshly made. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect outcome in preparing the Chicken Thighs with Cognac & Red Wine Recipe, here are some tips you might find helpful:
1. Use the right type of pan: For this recipe, a Dutch Oven or similar heavy-bottomed pot is best. These types of pans heat evenly and can handle both stove-top and oven cooking.
2. Brown the chicken thoroughly: The searing process not only caramelizes the outside of the chicken pieces but also adds flavor to the resulting sauce. Make sure each piece of chicken is well-browned before adding it to the braising liquid.
3. Don’t skip the flour: Dredging the chicken in flour before searing helps create a slightly crisp exterior that holds up when cooked in liquid.
4. Choose a dry red wine: A bold, dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah is best for this recipe. Avoid sweet wines or anything labeled “cooking wine.” Wine labeled “vin de table” works well, too.
5. Let it simmer: Resist the temptation to turn up your stove’s heat so your dish cooks more rapidly. Simmering for an hour allows all of those lovely flavours to meld together, making for a rich and delicious sauce.
6. Taste as you go: Have you ever tasted something you’ve been cooking along the way and realized it lacked salt or seasoning? Always taste test as you cook and add salt and pepper in smaller amounts instead of dumping all at once.
7. Let it rest: Once your Chicken Thighs with Cognac & Red Wine Recipe are complete, let them rest for five-ten minutes either off-heat or out of the oven. This allows our succulent chicken thighs to reabsorb some of their juicy tenderness.
8. Serve meat on top of carb: Carb doesn’t just act as filler but it also helps absorb some of that rich, flavor-filled sauce. Serving the chicken thighs atop such carb not only gives you fuller flavor, but also elevates the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Take these tips into account and you’ll have yourself a perfect Chicken Thighs with Cognac & Red Wine Recipe!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Chicken Thighs with Cognac & Red Wine recipe is a classic French dish that offers the perfect balance of rich flavors and aromas. This recipe offers an excellent opportunity to impress your friends and family with a gourmet meal that is both easy to prepare and delicious to eat.
The combination of cognac and red wine creates an unparalleled depth of flavor while the addition of rosemary, paprika, garlic, and onion further enhances the overall taste. Whether you are looking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
So why not try this recipe tonight? With its easy-to-follow instructions and varied substitutions, you can easily cater it according to your preferences. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or crusty bread to soak up its luscious wine sauce. Trust me; this dish will never disappoint.
In closing, I hope this recipe has inspired you to try something new in your kitchen. There is no doubt that Chicken Thighs with Cognac & Red Wine will soon become one of your favorite dishes – a show-stopper you’ll enjoy again and again!
Chicken Thighs With Cognac & Red Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 chicken thighs
- 2/3 cup flour (for dredging)
- salt & pepper (to taste mixed with flour)
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup cognac
- 1 cup red wine (wine you like to drink)
- 1 large onion, sliced thin
- 796 ml canned whole tomatoes (diced)
- 1 cup chicken stock (more may be required to cover chicken if pot is too large)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
Instructions
- 1 - Heat oil in large frying pan on med-high heat.
- 2 - Wash chicken and pat dry, then dredge in flour mixture and place chicken skin-side down, and cook approx 10 minutes before turning over to cook the other side for approx 10 minutes. You want the chickent to be golden-brown.
- 3 - Remove from heat and add the cognac, making sure pan is away from open flames. Return pan to burner, ignite cognac either with a long match or ignite gas burner. Keep the pan's lid handy, in case you need to smother the flames. Let the alcohol burn off.
- 4 - Add red wine, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, turning chicken once.
- 5 - Place chicken in medium-sized dutch oven, or casserole dish, cover, and set aside.
- 6 - Cook onions until transparent in same frying pan, then layer the onions over top of the chicken in the dutch oven, then set aside with lid on again.
- 7 - Add the remainder of ingredients to the pan, and bring to a simmer and ensure ingredients are well mixed. Spoon over top of onions in dutch oven, making sure the tomatoes are well distributed, and that the chicken is covered.
- 8 - Bake at 350 F for at least one hour. An extra half hour is going to give more tender chicken. .
- 9 - Serve chicken with rice or noodles, with chicken on the side. When removing chicken from the pot, be very careful that the chicken pieces don't fall apart. Spoon the sauce over top of the rice or noodles.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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