What to Serve with Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin, a classic French dish, is known for its tender chicken and rich sauce that’s full of flavour. But as with any tasty dish, the million-dollar question is what to serve with Coq au Vin.
You’ll want a side dish that complements the meal without overpowering it, and thankfully there are lots of options.
What is Coq Au Vin?
Coq au Vin is a traditional French dish that has become a classic both in France and beyond. It is a delicious combination of chicken, red wine, onion, garlic and other rich ingredients, making it a warming, hearty meal for the whole family. This dish has been made famous by Julia Child in her cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking, which has helped popularise French cuisine worldwide.
The main component of Coq au Vin is chicken, typically braised in a rich red wine sauce. The wine used is traditionally from the Burgundy region, but you can use any full-bodied red wine. Alongside the chicken, you’ll find an assortment of other ingredients, such as onions, garlic, and sometimes mushrooms or cooked bacon, which all work together to create a depth of flavour in the dish.
If you’re planning on making Coq au Vin for yourself, it’s worth sourcing good-quality ingredients to make the dish as authentic and delicious as possible. It may take some time to prepare and cook, but the end result is a delicious meal.
Side Dishes for Coq Au Vin
Whenever you’re preparing a rich dish for your main course, you want to serve it with something that complements the flavours and doesn’t overpower them or clash.
What Potatoes to Serve with Coq Au Vin
Potatoes make a great side dish for Coq Au Vin. And there are lots of different ways you can prepare and cook potatoes, depending on your tastes.
Roast Potatoes
My absolute favourite for what to serve with Coq au Vin is roast potatoes. When they’re cooked properly so that they’re crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, there’s just nothing nicer.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potato is the ultimate comfort food and works really well with Coq au Vin. Using the mash to soak up the juices from the chicken is absolutely delicious.
French Fries
You can’t go wrong with french fries, particularly if you’re preparing a meal for the whole family. They’re quick and easy to make and can be jazzed up with some tasty chip seasoning or just served with a little salt for a more classic taste.
New Potatoes
Boiled, new potatoes are absolutely delicious. Served with melted butter, they’re easy to prepare and pair perfectly with Coq au Vin. Hot, buttered potatoes are delicious no matter what meal you’re serving.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great option to serve with coq au vin. They have a natural sweetness that complements the savoury flavours of the dish. You can roast them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper or mash them with butter and a touch of cinnamon for a cosy and comforting side dish.
Rice
Rice works really well with Coq au Vin. You can go for whatever kind of rice you prefer, but basmati rice and wild rice work particularly well thanks to their naturally nutty flavour.
Pasta and Noodles
You might like to serve Coq Au Vin with buttered pasta or buttered noodles. These are traditional Italian side dishes made with butter and parmesan cheese, but they work really well with French Coq au Vin.
Vegetables
Add some colour and texture to your meal with a variety of vegetable sides. Some popular choices include:
Garlic Mushrooms
Garlic mushrooms are tasty and highly complementary to the mushrooms often found in Coq Au Vin. Make your own by frying off some crushed garlic cloves with button mushrooms for a quick and easy side dish.
Caramelised Onions
Fry some onions on a low heat with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a tablespoon of oil for a sweet side that works perfectly alongside the richness of Coq au Vin.
Honey Glazed Carrots
A classic addition to any meal is honey-glazed carrots.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is such an underrated side in my opinion. It’s really easy to cook and tastes absolutely delicious. I like to cook corn on the cob in the air fryer.
Brussels Sprouts
I have to admit I’m not a fan of Brussels Sprouts, but I’ve been told by my family that they are a great option for what to serve with Coq au Vin! Let me know if you’ve tried the two together and what your thoughts are. You could grill them, or try them roasted with a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you fancy.
Cauliflower Rice
Simply grate or pulse raw cauliflower in a blender until it reaches the consistency of rice. Then, lightly sauté it with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and your preferred seasonings. This makes for a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional rice that goes well with Coq au Vin.
Garden Peas
Jazz up your peas and serve them seasoned with a tad of salt, pepper, and a small knob of unsalted butter. Not only do they add a pop of colour, but they also provide a light, fresh element to balance out the dish.
Crusty Bread
Warm, crusty bread is an ideal accompaniment, dipping into the dish’s sauce and soaking up every last delicious drop. I also love to add the chicken pieces onto a slice of bread too. It tastes so good!
Choose from options such as:
- French Baguette
- Sourdough
- Ciabatta
Salad
In the warmer months, salad works well with pretty much any meal and Coq au Vin is no exception:
- Green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
- Tomato and onion salad
- French bean, bacon and mushroom salad
Toppings and Garnishes
When it comes to sprucing up your Coq au Vin, there are lots of ways you can add even more flavour.
Try using fresh herbs. They not only add a pop of colour to your plate, but they also enhance the flavours of your Coq au Vin. Thyme and rosemary are excellent choices, as their earthy and aromatic qualities blend seamlessly with the dish. You can sprinkle these herbs on top or set aside a few sprigs as a garnish for presentation.
- Fresh Thyme: Its slightly minty and subtly sweet taste goes well with the rich flavours of Coq au Vin.
- Fresh Rosemary: Known for its woodsy and somewhat citrus scent, rosemary adds a depth of flavour that brilliantly complements the dish.
Silverskin onions (also known as pearl onions) are another fantastic addition to the mix. These delicate, sweet onions add a slight crunch and complement the tender chicken and rich sauce.
Lastly, bacon lardons are often added to Coq au Vin. When cooked until crispy and golden, they add a smoky, savoury touch that works wonderfully with the dish. Scatter some cooked lardons on top of the dish or mix into the sauce.
What Wine to Serve with Coq Au Vin
A French dish deserves the right wine to be served alongside it. So what is the perfect wine to serve with Coq au Vin?
There are a few different options.
Pino Noir
First and foremost, a good Pinot Noir is a fantastic choice. It has an earthiness and subtle fruitiness that can accentuate the red wine sauce in your Coq Au Vin, providing a tasty harmony of flavours.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais, another red wine from France, is also a great pairing for Coq Au Vin. The fruity nature of Beaujolais, especially those made using the Gamay grape, complements the dish’s robust taste. Just remember to have a bottle for cooking and another for serving at the table.
Merlot
While Merlot may not be a traditional choice for Coq Au Vin, it is worth considering if you prefer a wine with a bit more body. Make sure you choose a Merlot that isn’t overly fruity or sweet to ensure a balanced pairing.
Dessert and Appetiser Ideas
A classic French dish like Coq au Vin works well with traditional French appetisers such as:
- Baguette slices served with a selection of cheeses or pâté
- A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette
- Escargots prepared with garlic and parsley butter
If you’d like to add a touch of indulgence to your appetisers, why not serve crispy French fries alongside your other starters? Your guests will appreciate the contrast of enjoying this popular comfort food with sophisticated French cuisine.
Moving on to desserts, you’ll want something that complements the rich flavours of Coq au Vin while also satisfying your guests’ sweet cravings, particularly if you’re cooking for a special occasion. Some delicious French dessert options include:
- Tarte Tatin: A delectable caramelised apple tart, perfect for sharing
- Chocolate Soufflé: A light and airy dessert that will impress your guests with its elegant presentation
- Crème Brûlée: A classic French dessert featuring a creamy custard topped with a thin layer of caramelised sugar
Finally, don’t forget to serve some crusty French bread throughout the entire meal. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from your Coq au Vin as well as an excellent accompaniment to your appetisers and desserts.
Serving Your Coq au Vin
Serve your coq au vin in a large, shallow dish to show off the beautiful colours and textures. Placing it in the centre of the table will allow everyone to help themselves, making it a more informal, interactive experience. My children love it when I serve up dinner like this, they can help themselves and have as little or as much as they like.
To make the presentation even more appealing, you garnish the coq au vin with a few sprigs of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley. This adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
And there you have it. Lots of delicious ideas for what to serve with Coq au Vin. Hopefully, there’s an idea here that sounds appealing to everyone! No matter what you choose to serve with coq au vin, it is sure to be a satisfying and comforting meal that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
