Coq au Bourbon: French-Inspired Chicken Braised in Bourbon Sauce

Chef’s Prospective

An exquisite French classic, Coq au Bourbon combines tender chicken pieces with a rich and flavorful bourbon-infused sauce. Indulge in the aromatic blend of ingredients and savor the heartwarming taste of this elegant dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Cuisine: French
Author: Scott Stokes

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup bourbon
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside.
3. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot in batches. Brown the chicken on all sides and remove from the pot.
4. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrot, and sliced celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
5. Return the chicken and bacon to the pot. Pour in the bourbon and let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
6. Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
7. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve the Coq au Bourbon hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Enjoy this flavorful and comforting French-inspired dish of Coq au Bourbon with its tender chicken braised in a rich bourbon sauce!

Remember to adjust the cooking time and serving size according to your preferences.