Save to Pinterest A hearty, affordable take on the French classic, this dish features chicken drumsticks simmered in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, and vegetables for a rich, comforting meal perfect for a weekend gathering.
This recipe quickly became a favorite for family dinners, bringing everyone together over a warm and satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks: 8 pieces
- Smoked bacon: 100 g lardons or thick-cut, diced
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Carrots: 2, sliced
- Celery stalks: 2, sliced
- Button mushrooms: 200 g, halved
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Dry red wine: 400 ml
- Chicken stock: 200 ml
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Bay leaves: 2
- Fresh thyme: 4 sprigs or 1 tsp dried
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Flour: 2 tbsp or gluten-free flour for GF option
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, optional garnish
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Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken drumsticks on all sides in batches, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In the same pot, add bacon and cook until crisp. Add the onion, carrots, and celery cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 4:
- Add mushrooms and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Add tomato paste stirring to combine. Pour in the red wine and chicken stock. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Step 7:
- Return the chicken drumsticks to the pot. Add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 8:
- Cover and cook on low heat for 45 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Step 9:
- Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce is thickened and chicken is tender.
- Step 10:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Discard bay leaves and thyme stalks.
- Step 11:
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings the family together, sparking great conversations and hearty appetites.
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Required Tools
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, tongs, wooden spoon, chopping board and knife
Allergen Information
Contains sulphites (from wine), gluten (if using regular flour), and pork (from bacon). Use gluten-free flour to avoid gluten.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 480 calories, 22 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, 45 g protein
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This recipe is perfect for weekend gatherings and makes excellent leftovers.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute chicken thighs for drumsticks?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and will yield a similarly tender and flavorful result.
- → How do I make the sauce thicker?
Sprinkling flour over the vegetables and cooking for a couple of minutes helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- → Is it necessary to use red wine in this dish?
Red wine adds depth and richness, but a flavorful broth can be used as an alternative.
- → Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- → What sides complement this dish best?
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread pair well to soak up the rich sauce.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken for extra flavor?
Marinating in wine, herbs, and garlic for a few hours or overnight enhances the overall taste.
