Rachael Ray: Rachael's Daytime Talkshow

Coq Au Vin

Aired on: July 10, 2007

This speedy, white wine version of the French classic is done in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients

6 slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour, divided
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced, reserving fronds for garnish
12 cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes or baby boiling potatoes, halved
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 bottle dry white wine
2 to 3 cups chicken stock (eyeball it)
4 to 5 sprigs (about 2 tablespoons) tarragon, leaves chopped
1/4 cup (about a handful) flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
A loaf of crusty bread
1/4 cup (about a handful) flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Preheat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 3 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve. Return skillet to the heat and add the EVOO, about 2 turns of the pan, to the bacon drippings.

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. Arrange 1 cup of flour on a plate, add the chicken chunks and toss to coat. Shaking off excess flour, add the coated chicken to the skillet in an even layer. Brown 2-3 minutes on all sides. Remove to a plate and reserve. To the pot, add the onions, fennel, mushrooms and potatoes.

Saute for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the butter and the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour to the veggies, stir to distribute and cook for 1 minute. Add wine and reduce liquid for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of stock if you like a thicker consistency -- up to as much as 3 cups if you like it a little looser -- and bring it up to a bubble. Add browned chicken. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Add the chopped herbs and give it a stir to combine. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fennel fronds and bacon bits and serve with crusty bread alongside for mopping.