If you ever had coq au vin, then you know how delicate and delightful dish it is. Whether you have a dinner party, a date, or feel like treating yourself, this is the perfect meal for you. Instead of stressing over side dishes, take a look at all the options you have!
Stay tuned to find out what to serve with coq au vin! You can make these recipes easily and without too much work.
What Is Coq Au Vin?
The term “coq au vin” refers to a rooster or cock with wine in French. In most cases, coq au vin consists of braised tender chicken with wine, mushrooms, garlic, and sometimes, lard. Often, the dish is served on top of potatoes.
While the rumors say that this classic french dish dates back to Julius Caesar, the recipe did not come to light until the 20th century. Many say that the famous chef Julia Child was the force behind coq au vin becoming a popular recipe. Usually, the recipe calls for red wine, such as burgundy, for cooking, though it might also allow for brandy.
First, you should season the chicken, pass it through flour, sear it on lard or butter, and then braise it slowly in the wine. Seasonings include thyme, parsley, bay leaf, and sometimes carrots and celery for flavor. The chicken you choose should be thighs and drumsticks, all of which add fat and density to the dish.
Because of its density, coq au vin is often considered a winter dish. Other wines to use are Pinot Noir, Merlot, Rioja, or Zinfandel. Although white wine can be a substitute, it is not the best replacement because it lacks body and aroma.
Nutrition Facts
One serving of coq au vin (661 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
712 calories
56 g protein
26 g fat
28 g carbohydrate
4.3 g fiber
10 g sugar
2,340 mg vitamin A
21.6 mg vitamin C
110 mg calcium
4.5 mg iron
Coq au vin is a dense and filling dish, but it can be high in fat and sugar. Depending on the type of fat and wine you use, your meal can rack up calories. Be sure to choose a less sweet wine that will not add too much sugar to this classic french dish.
What Goes With Coq Au Vin?
Below are some options for side dishes that you can serve with coq au vin recipe at any time!
#1. Arugula Salad with Caramelized Onions
A good salad goes a long way, particularly when you want to keep things healthy and delicious. You can make this recipe at any time and save it for another quick lunch later on.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 red onions, sliced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
A bunch of arugulas
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup shaved parmesan (to serve)
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your arugula salad with caramelized onions:
Wash and clean your vegetables.
Chop your onions and tomatoes, and set them aside.
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan. Add the onions and heat until they turn golden and soften, which should take about 15 minutes.
Pour in two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and cook for another 5 minutes.
Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix your arugula, cherry tomatoes, and caramelized onions.
Stir in the remaining olive oil and balsamic vinegar and toss well.
Serve cold with shaved parmesan on top and the side of your coq au vin.
#2. Roasted Rainbow Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are always a good idea when it comes to french chicken stew. In this case, the colorful dish provides tons of flavor and aroma.
Ingredients:
12 rainbow potatoes, halved
1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon mustard powder
1 tablespoon parsley
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your roasted rainbow potatoes:
Wash, clean, and halve your potatoes.
Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, mustard powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Line a baking sheet, and place the potatoes on it.
Roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and crispy on top.
Serve roasted rainbow potatoes hot with fresh parsley on top.
#3. Herbed Rice
This herbed rice is a winner in everyone’s book. You can make it within minutes and enjoy a delicious side dish that goes well with many other meals.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, diced
1 cup white rice
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup water
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons parsley
1 tablespoon chives
1 teaspoon tarragon
1 tablespoon cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your herbed rice:
Wash, clean, and chop your onion.
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the garlic and onion. Cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in the rice, salt, pepper, water, and chicken broth.
Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook covered for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Allow the rice to sit for 5 minutes. Remove the cover and stir in the herbs.
Mix and fluff the rice using a fork. Cover the rice once more and allow it to sit for a few more minutes.
Serve your herbed rice warm on the side of the coq au vin.
#4. Brussels Sprouts with Apples
Although it might sound weird, this recipe is one to remember. The combination of sweet and savory is just perfect.
Ingredients:
3 slices of bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups Brussels sprouts
1 green or red apple
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your Brussels sprouts with apples:
Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
Wash, clean, and trim your Brussels sprouts. Set them aside.
Wash, clean, and cut your apple into slices.
Place the bacon on a skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until it turns crispy.
Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate with a paper towel to drain.
Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet with olive oil on top. Roast them for 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet, add the apple pieces and roast another 10 minutes.
Transfer your Brussels sprouts onto a bowl and add the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Toss well.
Serve your Brussels sprouts warm or at room temperature next to your coq au vin.
#5. Peas with Pearl Onions
For those that want something simple and delicious, then this recipe is the right one. You can add more herbs and veggies at any point.
Ingredients:
3 cups frozen peas
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup pearl onions
1 tablespoon flour
¼ cup chicken broth
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your peas with pearl onions:
Add water to a small pot and bring to a boil. Stir in the pearl onions and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes.
Drain the pearl onions and set them aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the garlic and onions. Cook for another 3 minutes.
Add the peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
Stir in the flour and mix well, then slowly add the cream.
Pour the chicken broth, mix well once more, and add the parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cook over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve your peas with pearl onions hot with coq au vin on the side.
#6. Pan-Fried Polenta
If you like polenta, this pan-fried polenta will blow your mind away. It is crispy, complex, and yet so very flavorful.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 cups yellow cornmeal
½ cup parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon parsley
½ teaspoon tarragon
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your pan-fried polenta:
Melt ⅔ of the butter in a saucepan. Add the garlic and shallot, and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the chicken broth and water, bring the liquid to a boil.
Bake your butternut squash for 30 minutes or until it is soft.
Stir in cornmeal, parsley, tarragon, salt, and pepper.
Reduce the heat and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
Stir in the cheese, and mix well.
Transfer the polenta to a greased baking dish and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool down for at least 1 to 3 hours.
Once your polenta is firm, cut it into rectangles or triangles.
Add the remaining butter to a skillet and pan-fry each of the polenta pieces for 2 minutes on each side.
Serve your pan-fried polenta hot on the side of your coq au vin.
#7. French Lentils
When you want to keep your meal homey and filling, these French lentils are the way to go. You can also serve them any other day with other dishes.
Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
2 large carrots, diced
1 yellow onion, sliced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup French lentils
2 cups water
2 cups vegetable broth
2 celery sticks, sliced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon tarragon
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your French lentils:
Wash, clean, and chop your vegetables. Set them aside.
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Add the garlic, celery, onions, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes.
In the meantime, place the lentils in a large saucepan with the water and broth. Bring the liquid to a boil.
Lower the heat to a simmer, and add the celery, carrots, and onions. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and lentils are soft.
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, mustard, vinegar tarragon, parsley, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Remove the lentils and transfer them to a serving dish. Pour the sauce over them and mix well.
Serve your French lentils warm or at room temperature on the side of your coq au vin.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Side Dish?
Coq au vin is a delicacy that many love to serve for special occasions. If you are planning on making it at any point, it is best to know exactly what to serve with it. These delicious recipes are all easy to make and will complement your chicken dish very well.
For a meal that is healthy and delicious, you can try a side dish with vegetables. The arugula salad with caramelized onions is easy to make but never stops being amazing. The French lentils are also delicate and full of nutrients.
If you want to make your coq au vin meal more decadent, try a more filling and starchy dish. You can go with the roasted rainbow sweet potatoes, which are colorful and flavorful. You can also try the pan-fried polenta that will surprise everyone and have them coming for more.
For all other occasions, you can go with something classic or unique. The peas with pearl onions are creamy and rich. The Brussels sprouts with apples are sweet, savory, and the perfect combination.
You can also try the rice with fresh herbs that works well with any chicken meal. You can serve it later on as well. Don’t forget tasty french bread.
Conclusion
When coq au vin is on the menu, you surely want to live up to the task. Be sure to choose one, two, or three of these dishes. You can mix and match, and your chicken will be absolutely delicious. Add some crusty french bread, and enjoy.
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
