Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to a freezer meal that’s about to become your new best friend: Coq au Vin. Picture this with me: tender chicken simmering in a velvety sauce infused with the bold flavors of red wine, fragrant herbs, and savory mushrooms. It’s a taste sensation that’ll have your whole family begging for seconds.

Now, let’s talk about why this dish is a game-changer for busy households. As a mom of four myself, I know how valuable time-saving recipes can be. That’s why I love make-ahead meals like Coq au Vin. Spend a little time prepping on the weekend, and you’ll have hearty, homemade dinners ready to go whenever hunger strikes. It’s a simple yet genius solution for those hectic days when cooking dinner from scratch feels like a daunting task.

So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get cooking? Join me in this blog post as we whip up a batch of Coq au Vin together. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a kitchen novice, I promise you’ll find this recipe both delicious and approachable. Let’s make mealtime a little easier and a lot more flavorful!

Why You’ll Love this Best Coq Au Vin Recipe

Customizable: Adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability, making it a go-to option for any occasion.
Leftover Magic: Use leftover Coq au Vin in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for easy and delicious lunches.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for future meals, saving even more time during busy weeks.
Budget-Friendly: Utilize affordable ingredients like chicken, wine, and vegetables, helping to stretch your grocery budget.
Family-Friendly: Its rich flavors appeal to both adults and kids, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

Coq Au Vin Freezer Meal Recipe

Tender chicken simmering in a velvety sauce infused with the bold flavors imitating red wine, fragrant herbs, and savory mushrooms. Its a taste sensation that'll have your whole family begging for seconds.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 6

Course Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings

Equipment

1 gallon freezer bag
1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

2-3 lbs Chicken thighs boneless/skinless
4 Bacon slices cooked and chopped
1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
1 Onion chopped
2 carrots peeled and sliced
8 oz mushrooms quartered
2 tsp Garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp Thyme

Day of Cooking:

2 cups Chicken broth Gluten-free

For Serving:

2 cups Rice uncooked

Instructions

Prep/Freezer Directions:

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except Day of Cooking and Serving ingredients, to the freezer bag
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Directions:

Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump contents of the freezer bag, plus 2 cups of chicken broth, to a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
Stir and serve over rice.

Instant Pot Directions

Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 2 cups chicken broth.
Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
Stir well and serve over rice.

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten-Free

Verify chicken broth is gluten free, otherwise the recipe is entirely gluten free.

Make it Dairy Free

Recipe is naturally dairy free.

Keyword Chicken Freezer Meals, Coq Au Vin Recipe, easy freezer meals for new moms, Slow cooker Chicken Recipe

Equipment Needed to Make Classic French Coq Au Vin Recipe for Families

1 gallon freezer bag
1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients for your Coq Au Vin Freezer Meal Recipe

2-3 lbs Chicken thighs, boneless/skinless
4 Bacon slices, cooked and chopped
1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
1 Onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
8 oz mushrooms, quartered
2 tsp Garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp Thyme
Day of Cooking:
2 cups Chicken broth, Gluten-free
For Serving:
2 cups Rice, uncooked

How to Make a Coq Au Vin Freezer Meal

Prep/Freezer Directions:

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except Day of Cooking and Serving ingredients, to the freezer bag
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Directions:

Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump contents of the freezer bag, plus 2 cups of chicken broth, to a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
Stir and serve over rice.

What to serve with your Easy Freezer Meal Coq Au Vin Recipe

Sides:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Almondine
Crusty French Bread

Desserts:

Classic Crème Brûlée
Chocolate Lava Cake
Berry Cobbler

Mocktails:

Virgin Sangria
Mint Cucumber Cooler
Sparkling Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

Chicken Breast instead of Chicken Thighs: If you prefer white meat or have chicken breasts on hand, you can substitute them for the chicken thighs. Cut the chicken breasts into chunks to ensure even cooking.
Turkey Bacon instead of Regular Bacon: For a lighter option, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon.
Balsamic Vinegar instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use balsamic vinegar as a substitute.

Additions:

Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers work well in Coq Au Vin. Saute them along with the onions and carrots for added depth of flavor.
Frozen Peas: Stir in a cup of frozen peas towards the end of cooking for a burst of freshness and added texture. Peas are a classic addition to Coq Au Vin and complement the other ingredients beautifully.
Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor of your Coq Au Vin by adding a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary. Finely chop the herbs and sprinkle them over the dish before serving for a vibrant and aromatic touch.

With these substitutions and additions, you can customize your Coq Au Vin to suit your taste preferences while still keeping it freezer-friendly and delicious.

How To Reheat & Store Coq au Vin Freezer Meal Recipe

Best Way To Store Delicious Coq au Vin Recipe
Leftover?

To prolong the shelf life of your leftovers, it’s crucial to store them correctly. Begin by allowing the leftovers to cool down on the kitchen counter until they reach room temperature. Then, transfer the cooled leftovers into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, minimizing the amount of air inside to prevent freezer burn or spoilage. To track freshness, always label the containers with the date of preparation.

How long will Coq Au Vin Freezer Meal Recipe last in the fridge?

The shelf life of leftovers in the fridge varies depending on the type of dish and how it’s stored. Typically, leftovers can stay fresh for 3-5 days when properly cooled and stored in airtight containers. It’s essential to let the food cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking before refrigeration. If you intend to keep them for a more extended period, the freezer is a viable option, as it allows leftovers to maintain their taste and safety for several months.

Can I freeze Authentic Coq Au Vin with Chicken Thighs?

Yes! Absolutely, we recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, just prep a gallon freezer bag, add all ingredients, except your day of cooking ingredients, to the labeled gallon freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal, and store for up to three months.

If you have already cooked your Coq au Vin and want to freeze your leftovers, this can be down by allowing your leftovers to cool to room temperature, then place leftovers in a resealable bag. Remove as much air as you can, seal, and store for up to three months. This is a great way to extend the shelf life of your leftovers.

How to Reheat Homemade Coq Au Vin with Amazing Flavor?

The best ways to reheat your leftovers would be in the microwave(quickest) or on the stovetop. When using the stovetop, place a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking, and stir occasionally until heated through the Coq Au Vin leftovers.

When you are using the microwave, use a safe plate, and heat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds. Avoid overheating, as this will make the recipe lose its texture and flavor. Stir between each interval until the recipe is heated through.

Crowd Pleasing Coq Au Vin Freezer Recipe FAQs

What is an interesting fact about Coq au Vin?

An interesting fact about Coq Au Vin is that its origins date back to ancient France, where it was originally prepared as a peasant dish. The term Coq Au Vin literally means “rooster in wine”, highlighting its humble beginnings as a way to tenderize tough rooster meat using wine and slow cooking methods.

Why is Coq Au Vin so famous?

Coq au Vin gained fame due to its rich and savory flavors, as well as its association with French cuisine. It has become a classic dish that epitomizes comfort food and gourmet cooking alike. The popularity of the dish extends beyond France, making it a kitchen staple all around the world.

Why is my Coq Au Vin so bitter?

Coq au Vin may taste bitter if the wine used is of poor quality or if the dish is overcooked. To avoid the bitterness that is present in your dish, ensure you have a good quality wine and monitor the cooking time closely to prevent the flavors from becoming too concentrated in your dish.

What sides go well with a Coq au Vin recipe?

The side dishes that would go best with a Coq au Vin recipe are mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or buttered noodles. These sides help to soak up the sauce and provide a satisfying accompaniment to the hearty main dish.

Where did Coq Au Vin originate from?

Coq au Vin originated in France, with its exact background tracing back to the Burgundy region of France. The dish initially was a peasant dish, created as a way to tenderize tough rooster meat using wine, herbs, and vegetables. Over time it evolved into the classic french dish into the French classic that it has become.

Are there regional variations to a Coq au Vin?

Yes, there are variations to the classic Coq au Vin recipe. Different regions of France would add their own twist to the classic recipe. Some versions may include the addition of ingredients like cognac or brandy, while others may use different combinations of herbs and vegetables based on the local ingredients that are available and different cultural traditions.

What did Julia Child serve with her Coq au Vin?

Julie Child is a very famous chef that made a delicious version of Coq au Vin. She famously serves her recipe with buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes. These simple yet comforting side dishes complemented the rich flavors of the dish and provided a hearty meal for her guests.

What do you do to thicken Coq au Vin sauce?

When you are needing to thicken the Coq au Vin sauce, you can use a classic technique called reduction, where you simmer the sauce uncovered until it thickens and concentrates in flavor. Alternatively, you can make a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stirring it into the sauce and simmering until thickened. Adjust the thickness to your preference by adding more or less of the slurry.