These Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs are rich and savory, with juicy chicken meatballs perfectly paired with a robust red wine sauce. The bacon adds a delightful smoky flavor, while the carrots, mushrooms, and herbs create a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for cold winter evenings.
This recipe offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors, from the tender meatballs to the silky mashed potatoes. Whether served for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its depth of flavor and rustic French-inspired elegance. The ease of preparation, paired with the hearty satisfaction of a home-cooked meal, makes this dish a perfect go-to for busy nights.
Full Recipe:
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 lbs ground chicken
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 whole carrots, chopped
- 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 whole yellow onion, chopped
- 2 whole dried bay leaves
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups dry red wine
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Mashed potatoes, for serving
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Coat your hands with olive oil and roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes or until crispy and fully cooked.
- While the meatballs cook, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced mushrooms, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in red wine, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with remaining salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Let the sauce cook for 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Stir in chopped parsley and reserved bacon.
- Serve the Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs with sauce over a bed of mashed potatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 445 kcal | Servings: 6
Savory Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs: A Cozy and Hearty French-Inspired Dish
Savory Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic French dish, offering a cozy and comforting meal for cooler seasons. Traditionally, Coq au Vin is a slow-braised chicken dish, often simmered with red wine, mushrooms, and vegetables. However, in this recipe, chicken meatballs are introduced as a quicker, yet equally flavorful, alternative. The result is a rich, savory meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights but still packed with the comforting flavors of traditional Coq au Vin.
These meatballs, made from ground chicken and coated in a blend of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, are first baked to a golden crisp before being simmered in a deep, red wine-infused sauce. The sauce is rich with the earthy flavors of cremini mushrooms, the sweetness of caramelized carrots, and the savory depth of bacon. It’s all brought together by a touch of tomato paste, aromatic thyme, and bay leaves, creating a luscious, hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
The Magic of Chicken Meatballs in Coq au Vin
Ground chicken offers a lean alternative to traditional cuts of chicken used in Coq au Vin, yet it still absorbs the flavors of the wine and the rich sauce wonderfully. The choice of chicken also keeps the dish light and easy to digest, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy a traditional French-inspired dish without the heaviness that often comes with braised meats.
In the traditional Coq au Vin, chicken is braised for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. However, with this chicken meatball version, the process is significantly shortened, with the meatballs being baked and then simmered in the sauce for just 10 minutes. This makes the dish perfect for those evenings when you crave the taste of French comfort food but don’t have time to invest hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Savory Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs
1. Perfect for Fall and Winter Nights
This dish is especially satisfying during colder months, thanks to its rich, warming flavors. The deep, wine-infused sauce pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or any starchy side, making it an ideal meal for chilly nights when you need something comforting to satisfy your hunger.
2. Quick Yet Flavorful
Despite taking only about 40 minutes from start to finish, this dish doesn’t skimp on flavor. The savory combination of bacon, mushrooms, carrots, and the wine-based sauce mimics the long-simmered depth of traditional Coq au Vin. It’s a time-saving solution that still delivers on taste.
3. Easy to Make for Any Skill Level
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow. The use of ground chicken makes the meatball portion simple to prepare, and the sauce comes together in one skillet. This is a one-pot dish that doesn’t require special skills, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
4. A Crowd-Pleaser
With its savory flavors and rich sauce, this dish is sure to please family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or serving up a weekday meal, Savory Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs will impress everyone at the table.
5. Versatile for Different Palates
Though the recipe is designed with a traditional French flavor profile in mind, it’s easy to adjust to different tastes. You can swap out chicken for turkey if you prefer, or add different vegetables to the sauce to suit your preferences. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
The Sauce: The heart of this dish is its sauce. Red wine and chicken broth are combined with a variety of aromatics, including garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley. The sauce is slightly reduced during cooking, concentrating the flavors and making it the perfect complement to the meatballs. The addition of tomato paste adds depth and sweetness, while the crispy bacon adds a savory, salty finish.
The Bacon: While bacon may not be a traditional ingredient in Coq au Vin, it adds a wonderful richness and a satisfying crunch to the dish. It’s a subtle touch, but one that elevates the flavor of the sauce and the meatballs. Bacon lovers will appreciate this addition to an otherwise classic French recipe.
The Meatballs: These homemade meatballs are made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese. They’re seasoned with salt and pepper and baked until crispy before being added to the sauce. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, soaking up the rich sauce while maintaining their shape and texture.
How to Serve Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs
This dish is typically served over mashed potatoes, which are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the rich sauce. However, you can also serve it with other sides such as roasted vegetables, creamy polenta, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
If you’re entertaining guests or preparing a special meal for a family dinner, this dish makes a great option. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when needed, which is always a bonus when planning meals for busy evenings.
Possible Variations
While the recipe as written is a perfect reflection of traditional Coq au Vin flavors, there are a few ways you can tweak it to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
- Swap the Meat: While ground chicken is used in this version, you could substitute ground turkey or lean pork for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a more substantial meatball, you can also use beef or lamb.
- Vegan Version: If you’re following a plant-based diet, you can try using plant-based ground meat or make meatballs using a combination of lentils, breadcrumbs, and spices. Instead of bacon, use a plant-based alternative, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Add More Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding more vegetables to the sauce. Root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or celery would all work well. You can also add peas or green beans for a pop of color and texture.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs in the sauce. While thyme and bay leaves are classic, rosemary or tarragon could add a unique twist to the flavor. Fresh parsley at the end adds brightness and freshness, but you can also try chives or basil for a different take.
Conclusion
Savory Coq au Vin Chicken Meatballs is a modern and time-efficient adaptation of a classic French dish that maintains all the rich, comforting flavors of the original. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners during the colder months when you crave something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With its savory meatballs, rich wine sauce, and crispy bacon, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and delightful taste make it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration.