Mouth-watering French-ish chicken red wine casserole recipe!

Bonjour! Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that is a sure comfort food and hails all the way from France – the Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole Recipe. This savory stew of chicken pieces braised in a luscious, glossy red wine sauce is a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.

If you’ve ever tried Coq au Vin or any similarly classic French stew, then you’ll understand why it’s so famous worldwide. The chicken is cooked slowly in a light and flavorful red wine sauce infused with garlic, onions, mushrooms, and fresh rosemary. The result? A tender and juicy chicken in a savory sauce that’s just begging for some crusty bread to dip into it.

But let’s be clear – this recipe is not your traditional coq au vin dish! That’s why we’ve coined the term ‘Frenchish’ chicken recipe. It is a great alternative to its classic counterpart but still boasts some similarities such as the richness of the red wine sauce and the smokiness from the bacon.

Cooking at home shouldn’t be boring or monotonous, which is why every once in a while, we should give ourselves permission to make something deliciously indulgent like this Frenchish chicken casserole. So roll up your sleeves because this recipe is easy to whip up and will be sure to become your new go-to favorite.

So go ahead, grab a bottle of red wine and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole
Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole

If you’re a lover of savory stews and luscious glossy sauces, this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole Recipe is the perfect treat for you. It’s a hearty chicken recipe that will satisfy your cravings for good food anytime. This recipe combines classic French flavors with a modern twist to bring out the savory notes in every bite.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses simple ingredients, which are easy to find at your local grocery store. A combination of chicken drumsticks and thighs provide tender and juicy pieces braised in a red wine sauce that oozes with flavor. The wine adds depth to the dish, making it rich and satisfying.

The addition of garlic cloves, black olives, and onions mushrooms make this dish even more flavorful. The garlic adds a pungent taste while the olives contribute salty and briny notes—a perfect complement to the richness of the chicken.

Aside from the ingredients used, this recipe is also easy to prepare. Just follow the instructions, throw everything into one pot, and let it simmer away. In no time, you’ll have a savory stew that even Julia Child would approve of.

But why should you love this recipe? It’s not just because it’s quick and easy to make (although that’s definitely a plus). It’s because it’s packed with amazing flavors that will make your taste buds dance with pleasure. Imagine biting into tender chicken pieces braised in a luscious glossy red wine sauce with an orange zest and juice twist – heaven on earth!

So, if you’re looking for a meal that is sure to impress your guests or simply heating up leftovers for yourself later on in the week- look no further than this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole Recipe. Trust me; you’ll be glad you tried it!

Ingredient List

 Frenchish chicken and red wine casserole: A hearty and savory comfort food that pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine.
Frenchish chicken and red wine casserole: A hearty and savory comfort food that pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need for this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole Recipe. You will need a mix of chicken drumsticks and thighs, some chopped tomatoes, black olives, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, red wine, light brown sugar, and the juice and zest of an orange.

Here is the ingredient list:

  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 large sliced onion
  • 8 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups of chopped tomatoes
  • 2 cups of dry red wine
  • Juice and zest of one orange
  • 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 cup of sliced black olives

The Recipe How-To

 The warm aromas of rosemary, thyme, and red wine come together in this delicious French-inspired dish.
The warm aromas of rosemary, thyme, and red wine come together in this delicious French-inspired dish.

Now that you know why this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole recipe is worth making, let’s dive into how to make it.

Ingredient List:

  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 8 garlic cloves, peeled but left whole
  • 1 orange, zest and juice of
  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup pitted black olives
  • 4 cups red wine
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary – one minced & one for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 large onions, diced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ pound of bacon, diced

The Recipe:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes.

  3. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, but leave the bacon fat in the pot as this will add great flavor to the chicken pieces.

  4. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

  5. Add the chicken pieces to the pot in batches and cook until they are browned all over, about 15 minutes per batch.

  6. Once all of the chicken is browned, set it aside on a platter.

  7. Add the onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until they have softened and browned slightly, about 5 minutes.

  8. Add the mushrooms and sauté for another 5 minutes.

  9. Pour in the red wine and red wine vinegar, then use a wooden spoon to scrape up all of the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

  10. Add the chicken stock, chopped tomatoes, orange zest and juice, black olives, brown sugar, and minced rosemary to the pot. Stir everything together.

  11. Add the chicken pieces back into the pot and nestle them down into the sauce.

  12. Place lid on the pot and to the preheated oven.

  13. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

  14. Serve hot with chopped fresh parsley, a sprig of rosemary for garnish, and perhaps something like mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that luscious glossy red wine sauce.

Substitutions and Variations:

  • You can mix up your chicken pieces by using a combination of chicken breasts, thighs, legs, or wings.
  • If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute white wine or even replace some of the liquid with chicken stock.
  • For a slow-cooker version of this recipe, sear off the chicken as directed then add everything to a slow cooker or Crockpot insert (except

Substitutions and Variations

 This mouthwatering casserole combines tender chicken, luscious bacon, and flavorful vegetables in a rich red wine sauce.
This mouthwatering casserole combines tender chicken, luscious bacon, and flavorful vegetables in a rich red wine sauce.

If you are missing some of the ingredients or you want to switch things up, here are some substitutions and variations for this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole recipe:

– Instead of chicken drumsticks and thighs, you can use chicken breast or even bone-in short ribs. Slow-cooked beef stew is also a delicious alternative to chicken in this recipe.

– If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary instead. Thyme and oregano are also great herbs that would work well in this recipe.

– Black olives add a nice briny flavor to the dish, but if you don’t like olives, you can leave them out or substitute them with capers.

– Light brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the savory stew, but you can use honey or maple syrup instead. Just be mindful of the sweetness level and adjust accordingly.

– Instead of red wine, you can use white wine or a combination of both. Just make sure to use a good quality wine that you would actually drink since it contributes to the flavor of the sauce.

– For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch as a thickener for the sauce.

– You can add more vegetables like onions, mushrooms, carrots or even potatoes to make it heartier and more filling.

– If cooking in a slow cooker – all ingredients can be added at once to create a wonderful slow cooked meal.

No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will make your taste buds sing. Enjoy!

Serving and Pairing

 Whip up this simple yet impressive dish for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.
Whip up this simple yet impressive dish for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.

This Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that is perfect for cozy nights in. The rich flavors of the red wine sauce make it a great pairing for other bold and savory dishes. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up all the luscious sauce, or over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

The black olives in this recipe add a briny, salty flavor that pairs well with tangy dishes. For a bright and citrusy contrast, serve this red wine casserole with a side of orange wedges sprinkled with fresh rosemary.

If you’re looking to elevate the dish and take it up a notch, pair it with a full-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Zinfandel. The tannins in the wine will help cut through the richness of the sauce and complement the savory flavors.

For those who prefer whites, try pairing this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole with a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. The refreshing acidity in these whites will help balance out the heavier flavors of the stew.

Overall, this flavorful chicken casserole is versatile enough to be paired with many different sides and wines. Experiment and find your perfect match!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 One bite of this flavorful casserole and you'll feel like you're dining in a rustic French countryside.
One bite of this flavorful casserole and you’ll feel like you’re dining in a rustic French countryside.

The good news is that this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole recipe lends itself extremely well to being made ahead of time, which makes it ideal for dinner parties or busy weeknights. In fact, the flavors develop and meld together even more if you make it in advance!

To make ahead: Prepare the recipe up until the final cooking stage – all the way through Step 3. Let the chicken and sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer everything to a large airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

To reheat: When ready to serve, gently reheat the casserole in either a Dutch oven or oven-safe casserole dish at 375°F for around 30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

To store: Any leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

While reheating, you may notice that some of the red wine sauce has thickened slightly. If this happens, simply add a splash of chicken stock or water while reheating to loosen it up. The flavors will still be every bit as rich and luscious as when you first made it!

This recipe also lends itself well to freezing if you’d like to prepare it even further in advance. After making, let it cool completely before transferring it into either an air-tight container or freezer bag (remove as much air as possible). Label with date and description, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

So don’t worry about timing when making this dish! You can make-ahead, store leftovers or double the recipe to enjoy throughout the week.

Tips for Perfect Results

 Infused with the deep flavors
Infused with the deep flavors

To achieve the perfect Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole, here are some tips for you.

Firstly, it is important to use a good quality red wine. The wine should be full-bodied with bold flavors that can stand up against the chicken and other ingredients. Traditionally a Burgundy wine was used for dishes like Coq au Vin, but any full-bodied red wine will do.

Secondly, make sure to sear the chicken well before adding it to the casserole dish. This will help lock in the juices and keep the meat tender and moist during cooking. A crispy exterior on the chicken adds texture and flavor to the dish.

Thirdly, don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan after searing the chicken. Deglazing means using wine or another liquid to scrape all of the brown bits off of the bottom of the pan. This helps to build flavor in the sauce and prevents burning.

Fourthly, be sure to use fresh herbs like rosemary in this recipe. Dried herbs can be used as a substitute, but fresh herbs add brightness and complexity to the dish.

Fifthly, be patient when simmering the casserole. Cooking low and slow allows all of the flavors to meld together and develop into a savory stew with a luscious glossy sauce.

Lastly, feel free to experiment with different vegetable additions such as onions, mushrooms or root vegetables. These can add depth and richness to the flavour profile of your casserole.

By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole that you’ll want to make again and again.

FAQ

As with any recipe, there may be questions about substitutions or variations, storage, reheating, or other concerns. In this section, I will address some frequently asked questions that may arise when making this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole Recipe. Let’s get cooking!

What wine is best for chicken casserole?

When it comes to pairing wine with a casserole, the color of the dish is an important factor. For a red casserole with mushrooms, a fruity and light-bodied South African Merlot or Tuscan Brunello di Montalcino would be an ideal choice. On the other hand, a white casserole with a creamy texture calls for a Chardonnay. Don’t forget to take into account whether the dish also contains red wine, as that can also affect the pairing.

What does coq au vin taste like?

When I think of Coq au Vin, I can almost taste the rich, saucy goodness of this classic French dish. The flavors of the chicken, the vegetables, and the red wine meld together into a complex and savory stew. The result is a dish that is bursting with layers of flavor and a unique taste profile.

What kind of wine do you use for coq au vin?

One of the most beloved traditional French dishes is coq au vin. It’s a dish where chicken is cooked in red wine, with additional ingredients such as pork fat cubes, mushrooms, and garlic. The ideal type of wine used for this recipe is usually Burgundy, but other French wines like Beaujolais, Côtes du Rhône, and Bordeaux may also be utilized.

Bottom Line

There are a few dishes that truly stand the test of time, and this Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole Recipe is certainly one of them. It represents classic French cuisine at its best, with its rich, luscious glossy red wine sauce, savory stewed chicken pieces braised to perfection, and so much more.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty winter meal, an elegant dinner party dish, or just something delicious to enjoy on a cozy night in, this recipe has got you covered. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you for it!

Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole

Frenchish Chicken and Red Wine Casserole Recipe

Loosely based on coq au vin, this dish is topped with thinly sliced French bread.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 40 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Calories 508.9 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (14 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 1/4 cups red wine
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 4 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 1/2 ounces black olives, unpitted
  • 1 orange, juice and zest of, grated
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Place the tomatoes, wine, stock, garlic, rosemary and sugar in a flameproof casserole dish and bring to the boil.
  • Meanwhile, pull the skin off the chicken. Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Partially cover and simmer for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F
  • Add the olives and orange rind and juice to the casserole dish, along with some salt and pepper.
  • Arrange the bread on top of the casserole, then place the dish on a baking sheet.
  • Pop into the oven for 20 minutes until the bread is toasted and golden. The juices will bubble up and dribble down the side and over the bread in places, but don't worry, this is a rustic dish.
  • Serve warm.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 554gCalories: 508.9kcalCarbohydrates: 21.5gProtein: 36gFat: 24.7gSaturated Fat: 6.7gCholesterol: 142.6mgSodium: 511.2mgFiber: 3.7gSugar: 6.6g
Keyword < 4 Hours, Chicken, Chicken Thigh & Leg, European, Inexpensive, Kid-Friendly, Meat, Poultry, Savory, Savory Pies
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