Coq au Vin Chicken Drumsticks

Featured in: One-Pot Cozy Meals

This dish features tender chicken drumsticks slowly braised in a rich red wine sauce infused with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. Vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, and onions add depth and body while developing a comforting, rustic flavor. Braising gently softens the chicken and melds the ingredients into a savory, aromatic meal. Serve garnished with parsley alongside crusty bread or buttered noodles for a satisfying dining experience.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:22:00 GMT
Coq au Vin Style Chicken Drumsticks, rich red wine sauce, served with parsley garnish. Save
Coq au Vin Style Chicken Drumsticks, rich red wine sauce, served with parsley garnish. | olivebriar.com

A comforting rustic dish featuring tender chicken drumsticks braised in a red wine sauce with aromatic herbs mushrooms and vegetables a wallet-friendly twist on the French classic

This cozy chicken stew has become a family favorite especially on chilly evenings when you want something hearty and soothing

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 8 chicken drumsticks Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion diced 2 carrots peeled and sliced 3 cloves garlic minced 200 g (7 oz) button mushrooms quartered
  • Braising Liquid: 2 tbsp tomato paste 2 cups (500 ml) dry red wine 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock 2 bay leaves 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme) 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary)
  • Finishing: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry and season with salt and pepper
Step 2:
Heat olive oil in a large heavy based pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat Brown the drumsticks on all sides (about 8 minutes) Remove and set aside
Step 3:
In the same pot add onion and carrots Sauté for 3 4 minutes until softened Add garlic and mushrooms cook for another 3 minutes
Step 4:
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute
Step 5:
Return the chicken to the pot Pour in red wine and chicken stock Add bay leaves thyme and rosemary
Step 6:
Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to low Cover and cook for 50 60 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly
Step 7:
Discard bay leaves and herb stems Taste and adjust seasoning
Step 8:
Serve hot garnished with chopped parsley if desired
Hearty Coq au Vin Style Chicken Drumsticks, braised with vegetables and herbs, perfect for dinner. Pin it
Hearty Coq au Vin Style Chicken Drumsticks, braised with vegetables and herbs, perfect for dinner. | olivebriar.com

Preparing this dish often sparks joyful conversations around the dinner table bringing everyone together

Notes

For extra richness add a few strips of bacon with the vegetables Serve with crusty bread mashed potatoes or buttered noodles

Required Tools

Large Dutch oven or heavy based pot Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens as listed but check chicken stock and wine labels for additives May contain sulfites (from wine) Those with mushroom allergies should omit mushrooms

Enjoy tender Coq au Vin Style Chicken Drumsticks, a French-inspired, flavorful and easy recipe. Pin it
Enjoy tender Coq au Vin Style Chicken Drumsticks, a French-inspired, flavorful and easy recipe. | olivebriar.com

Enjoy this timeless recipe perfect for gatherings or a comforting family meal any day

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Chicken drumsticks are ideal for their flavor and texture, but thighs can be substituted for a similar juicy result.

Can I use a different type of wine?

Dry red wines like Pinot Noir or Merlot work well, offering rich flavors without overpowering the dish.

How long should the chicken be braised?

The chicken should simmer gently for about 50 to 60 minutes until tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Can I add bacon to enhance flavor?

Yes, adding a few strips of bacon with the vegetables deepens the overall richness and complements the braising liquid.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles to complement the flavorful sauce.

Coq au Vin Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks braised with red wine, mushrooms, and herbs in a rich, rustic style.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
75 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes

Category: One-Pot Cozy Meals

Difficulty: Medium

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Chicken

01 8 chicken drumsticks, patted dry
02 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 large onion, diced
03 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 7 ounces button mushrooms, quartered

Braising Liquid

01 2 tablespoons tomato paste
02 2 cups dry red wine
03 1 cup chicken stock
04 2 bay leaves
05 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Finishing

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Season chicken: Pat chicken drumsticks dry and season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-based pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown drumsticks on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Add diced onion and sliced carrots to the pot and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and quartered mushrooms; cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.

Step 05

Add liquids and herbs: Return chicken to the pot. Pour in dry red wine and chicken stock. Add bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.

Step 06

Simmer until tender: Bring mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 50 to 60 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce slightly thickened.

Step 07

Finish and season: Remove bay leaves and herb stems. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 08

Serve: Plate the drumsticks with vegetables and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-based pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • May contain sulfites from wine. Check stock and wine labels for additives. Avoid mushrooms if allergic.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein: 38 g