Valentine’s Day Dinner Featuring Sherry Coq Au Vin

Planning a special Valentine’s Day dinner? Sherry Coq au Vin is an excellent choice! This twist on the classic French dish combines tender chicken with rich red wine and dry sherry, along with savory mushrooms and crispy bacon. It’s not just delicious; it’s a meal that brings warmth and romance to your table. Curious about how to make this dish and impress your loved one? Let’s explore the details together.

Key Takeaways

• Sherry Coq au Vin is a romantic dish perfect for Valentine’s Day, offering rich flavors and a cozy dining experience.
• Marinate chicken in red wine and dry sherry to enhance tenderness and flavor, making it a standout meal.
• Pair the dish with sides like creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to complete the romantic dinner.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or lavender for an elegant touch that elevates the presentation.
• Consider serving a delightful dessert, like chocolate fondue, for a sweet finish to your Valentine’s dinner.

Why you’ll love this recipe

When you try this Sherry Coq au Vin recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s perfect for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day. This dish combines rich flavors that make any meal feel fancy and special.

The tender chicken, slow-cooked in a delicious sauce, creates an aroma that fills your kitchen and sets a cozy mood. Plus, you’ll enjoy the cooking process, making it a fun experience to share with your loved one. The Christmas Lively Pomegranate Citrus Water Infusion, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, can be a delightful and refreshing beverage to serve alongside your meal.

It pairs wonderfully with simple sides like mashed potatoes or crusty bread, ensuring a complete dinner. This recipe is easy to follow, so whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, you can impress your date and create lasting memories together.

Ingredient notes

Cooking a delicious dish like Sherry Coq au Vin starts with understanding your ingredients.

First, choose a good quality red wine; you’ll want one you enjoy drinking, as it really enhances the flavor. For the sherry, stick with dry varieties—sweet sherry isn’t the right fit here.

When it comes to mushrooms, cremini or button types work best, adding a lovely earthy richness.

Don’t forget the chicken! Bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks are ideal, ensuring moist and tender meat.

Finally, fresh parsley makes a great garnish, adding a pop of color. Additionally, consider incorporating lavender’s calming properties into your meal, which can enhance the overall dining experience.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re on your way to creating a memorable dish that’s perfect for your Valentine’s Day dinner! Enjoy the process and the delicious flavors!

Origin of the recipe

Sherry Coq au Vin has a rich history that hails from France, where traditional coq au vin was a beloved dish long before the sherry twist was added.

This classic meal dates back to ancient times, with country cooks using wine to enhance the flavors of chicken. Over the years, different regions in France put their unique spin on the dish.

The addition of sherry, a fortified wine, brings a new layer of flavor, making it even more special. This delicious combination of wine, chicken, and vegetables creates a comforting meal that warms the heart.

Today, Sherry Coq au Vin continues to delight diners and is perfect for romantic occasions, like a charming Valentine’s Day dinner with someone you love.

How to make the recipe

To make your Sherry Coq au Vin, you’ll start by marinating the chicken in red wine and sherry, which gives it a fantastic flavor.

Next, sauté the bacon until it’s crispy, then brown the marinated chicken in the same pot.

After that, you’ll add the vegetables and let everything simmer until the chicken is tender and delicious!

Step 1. Marinate Chicken in Wine

Marinating the chicken in wine is an essential step that not only enhances the flavor but also helps make it super tender.

To start, gather your chicken thighs and drumsticks, and place them in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour in 2 cups of red wine and 1 cup of dry sherry, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.

Add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra seasoning. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better! This gives the flavors time to meld and soak into the chicken.

When you’re ready to cook, simply remove the chicken from the marinade, and you’ll be set for the next delicious steps!

Step 2. Sauté Bacon Until Crispy

After you’ve marinated the chicken, it’s time to bring some savory depth to your dish by sautéing the bacon until crispy.

Start by dicing four strips of bacon into small pieces. Place a large Dutch oven over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook it, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until it turns golden and crispy.

This step is essential, as the rendered bacon fat will add incredible flavor to your dish. Once the bacon is perfectly crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel to drain.

Now you’re ready to use that delicious bacon fat to brown the chicken and enhance your Sherry Coq au Vin!

Step 3. Brown Chicken in Dutch Oven

Now it’s time to get that delicious chicken browned to perfection! Start by removing the marinated chicken from the fridge, letting it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes.

In your Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken thighs and drumsticks skin-side down in the pot. You want that skin to get golden brown and crispy, so don’t overcrowd the pot; you can do this in batches if needed.

Let the chicken cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until beautifully browned. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

This step adds amazing flavor and sets the stage for the next part of your Sherry Coq au Vin journey!

Step 4. Add Vegetables to Pot

It’s time to bring your dish to life by adding the vegetables! Start by tossing in the chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring them in the pot until they soften and become fragrant.

Next, add the sliced carrots and quartered mushrooms, mixing everything together. Let the veggies cook for a few minutes, allowing their flavors to meld. This step makes your Sherry Coq au Vin even more delicious!

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the tomato paste and flour, cooking for another minute. This will help thicken the sauce as it simmers.

You’re building a rich base for your dish, so don’t rush it! Enjoy this moment, knowing you’re creating something special for your Valentine’s Day dinner.

Step 5. Simmer Until Chicken Is Tender

As you bring your dish to a gentle simmer, the kitchen will begin to fill with an irresistible aroma that promises a delightful meal ahead.

Cover the pot and let it cook for about 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the chicken will become tender and juicy, soaking up all the rich flavors from the wine, sherry, and vegetables.

Check occasionally to make sure it’s simmering gently and not boiling too hard. You can stir it once or twice to keep everything well combined.

When the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, it’s ready to serve. This slow cooking process creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner!

If you liked this you may also like

If you enjoyed making Sherry Coq au Vin, you might also want to explore other delicious dishes that bring a touch of romance to your dining table.

Consider preparing Beef Bourguignon, a hearty French stew featuring tender beef braised in red wine, perfect for cozy dinners.

You could also try Chicken Marsala, where chicken is sautéed and simmered in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce, creating a delightful flavor combination.

For a lighter option, Lemon Herb Risotto offers creamy comfort with a zesty twist.

Finally, don’t forget about a classic Chocolate Fondue for dessert—it’s a fun, interactive way to end your meal with fresh fruit and sweet treats.

Each of these dishes is sure to impress your loved one! Additionally, infused water can be a refreshing complement to these meals, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Chicken With a Different Protein?

Absolutely, you can substitute chicken with another protein! For a delicious twist, try using beef or pork.

Just remember, different proteins may need different cooking times. If you choose beef, like chuck roast, it’ll get tender after slow cooking.

For pork, boneless shoulder works well. You can still follow the recipe’s steps, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

This way, you’ll create a unique dish that suits your taste preferences! Enjoy experimenting!

What Wine Pairs Best With Sherry Coq Au Vin?

When picking a wine to pair with Sherry Coq au Vin, you can’t go wrong with a good red wine. A Pinot Noir works especially well, as its fruity notes complement the dish’s rich flavors.

If you prefer white wine, try a dry sherry to echo the sherry in the recipe.

How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of coq au vin, swap chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini.

Use vegetable broth instead of wine and sherry, and sauté your veggies with onions, garlic, and carrots.

Add tomato paste, herbs like thyme, and let it all simmer until tender.

Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal that everyone can enjoy!

Can I Freeze Leftovers of Sherry Coq Au Vin?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Sherry Coq au Vin! Just let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

This helps preserve the flavors and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Adding a splash of broth can keep it from getting too thick. Enjoy your delicious meal later, and don’t waste those tasty leftovers!

What Side Dishes Complement Sherry Coq Au Vin?

To complement Sherry Coq au Vin, you’ve got some tasty options!

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice, soaking up the delicious sauce perfectly. You could also serve crusty French bread, ideal for dipping.

For a lighter touch, consider a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, add color and extra flavor, making your meal even more delightful!

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to make Sherry Coq au Vin, you’re ready to impress your loved one this Valentine’s Day! This dish is not only delicious but also brings a special touch to your dinner table. Remember, the combination of rich flavors and cozy atmosphere sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a romantic meal that’s sure to warm both your hearts and bellies. Happy cooking!