Chicken Bourguignon Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Bourguignon is a delicious, French-inspired dish that brings together tender chicken, savory vegetables, and rich red wine in a comforting, flavorful sauce. A variation of the classic Beef Bourguignon, Chicken Bourguignon delivers the same deep, complex flavors but with the lightness of chicken. This dish is perfect for special occasions, family dinners, or when you simply want to enjoy a taste of France in your own kitchen.

The recipe involves braising chicken in red wine, which allows the meat to absorb all the rich flavors from the wine, herbs, and vegetables. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety sauce that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, Chicken Bourguignon is a great dish to impress your guests or indulge yourself with a memorable meal.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Bourguignon

• Rich, Robust Flavors: The combination of chicken, wine, and aromatic vegetables creates a complex, rich flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: By braising the chicken in the flavorful wine sauce, the meat becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the wonderful flavors from the ingredients around it.
• Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as amazing as it tastes. The deep red wine sauce and perfectly cooked chicken pieces are visually stunning, making it a great dish for entertaining.
• Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, Chicken Bourguignon is relatively simple to make, especially when following the step-by-step instructions.
• Versatile for Different Occasions: Whether you are preparing a holiday feast, hosting a dinner party, or making a cozy family dinner, Chicken Bourguignon fits any occasion perfectly.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bourguignon:

• 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or 6-8 chicken drumsticks or breasts)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup pearl onions (frozen or fresh)
• 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
• 2 cups red wine (preferably Burgundy or Pinot Noir)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for finishing)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan and brown them on both sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side. You want the skin to be golden and crispy. After the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The goal is to develop flavor from the caramelized onions and garlic, which will create a strong foundation for the sauce.

3. Add the Mushrooms and Pearl Onions

Once the carrots and celery are softened, add the sliced mushrooms and pearl onions to the pan. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown. This will add depth and umami to the overall flavor of the dish.

4. Deglaze with Red Wine

Now it’s time to add the red wine. Pour in 2 cups of red wine, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This step, called deglazing, helps incorporate all the caramelized flavors into the sauce. Allow the wine to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.

5. Add the Broth and Seasonings

After the wine has reduced, add the chicken broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the tomato paste is fully dissolved in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer and taste for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if necessary, depending on your preference.

6. Return the Chicken to the Pan

Once the broth is simmering, return the browned chicken to the pan, skin-side up. The chicken should be partially submerged in the sauce, with the vegetables and liquids surrounding it. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally, ensuring the chicken stays in the liquid to absorb the flavors.

7. Thicken the Sauce

After the chicken has cooked and is tender, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. You should now have a flavorful sauce, but it might be a bit thin. To thicken the sauce, make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of flour with a few tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the sauce and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.

8. Finish with Butter and Adjust Seasonings

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the butter to enrich the sauce, giving it a silky texture. Taste the sauce once more and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You can also add a splash more wine if you want a deeper flavor.

9. Serve the Chicken Bourguignon

To serve, place the chicken back into the sauce, spooning the vegetables and sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Bourguignon

• Brown the Chicken Properly: Take the time to brown the chicken well before simmering. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish and ensures the chicken has a crispy skin.
• Use Quality Wine: Since wine plays a crucial role in the flavor of the sauce, be sure to use a good quality red wine. A dry red wine like Burgundy or Pinot Noir works best, but you can also use a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a bolder taste.
• Simmer Low and Slow: Chicken Bourguignon benefits from slow simmering. Allow the chicken and vegetables to cook gently in the wine sauce to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Add Extra Vegetables: If you love vegetables, feel free to add potatoes, parsnips, or turnips to the dish. These vegetables complement the rich sauce and add more texture to the meal.
• For a Glossier Sauce: If you prefer a glossier, richer sauce, consider adding a tablespoon of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking. This will give the sauce a more luxurious texture.

Variations of Chicken Bourguignon

• Chicken Bourguignon with Bacon: For added flavor, you can sauté diced bacon or pancetta along with the vegetables. The bacon will render its fat and add a smoky richness to the dish.
• Chicken Bourguignon with Root Vegetables: Swap out the standard carrots and celery for root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or potatoes for a heartier version of the dish. These vegetables will soak up the rich wine sauce.
• Vegetarian Bourguignon: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, leeks, and carrots, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will give you a dish that’s just as rich in flavor without the meat.
• Chicken Bourguignon with a Touch of Orange: Add a splash of orange zest or orange juice to the wine sauce for a citrusy twist that complements the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and chicken.
• Crispy Chicken Bourguignon: For an even crispier texture, pan-fry the chicken skin before braising it. This method will give you extra crunch and a more pronounced golden color.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Bourguignon can be stored for later use. After it has cooled to room temperature, place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of wine or broth to loosen the sauce and ensure it stays moist.

For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken Bourguignon. Once it has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Bourguignon

Pair Chicken Bourguignon with complementary sides to round out your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing with Chicken Bourguignon, mashed potatoes help absorb the rich sauce and provide a creamy base to complement the chicken.
• Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf with herbs makes a great base for the savory sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of fresh, crusty bread to soak up the rich wine sauce. This is perfect for those who want to savor every drop.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or potatoes work wonderfully with Chicken Bourguignon, adding a slight sweetness that balances the rich sauce.

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Conclusion

Chicken Bourguignon is a refined, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a rich, flavorful wine sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this French-inspired recipe is sure to impress. With its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth chicken, Chicken Bourguignon is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly unforgettable meal!