Dinner Party Perfection - Coq Au Vin

I love entertaining and having people up for dinner.  I wouldn't say I'm a confident host or that I excel in anyway in this role but I try.  I love having people for dinner as it allows me to try make something really tasty and special.  So in the immediate excitement of having people for dinner, I get totally carried away and dream about producing a dinner that is super complicated, super out-there and that in real life, would be impossible for me to do at this stage.  Once I have calmed down and I realistically plan out my meal, a main like this is always ideal as it is simple yet still delicious and special enough to serve for a dinner party.

As I said, I am probably not a confident host yet so I am all about reducing stress by getting the gist of the meal prepared in advance and making a dish that is easy for me to time out.  One pan oven dishes are perfect for these occasions.  Pop it in the oven.  Set a timer before adding any finishing touches. That means the only thing you have left to organise is your side dishes and I have a great Sous Chef to help me with this.

I have made this Coq Au Vin a couple of times and while it might not look like much in the picture below, it tastes beautiful.  I really do love it.  I also think it looks quite impressive to serve.  While I make this for entertaining, I also think it is a handy dinner for a Sunday but if it is just for Conor and I, I'll make a few swaps (onion for shallots for instance).

This recipe is from Bill Granger and i promise, it is beautiful and easy!  I served with mashed potatoes, veg and a big glass of wine.

Ingredients

1.5kg chicken, jointed

150g diced bacon or lardons

10 french shallots

A few thyme sprigs

1 rosemary sprig

1 tsp dried chilli flakes

3 tbsp olive oil

250ml white wine

small knob butter

350g mixed mushrooms

3 garlic cloves, crushed

Method

Pre-heat oven to 220C / Gas Mark 7.  Put the chicken pieces into a large roasting tin.  Scatter the diced bacon, shallots, thyme, rosemary and dried chilli flakes over the chicken pieces and then season with salt and pepper. 

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over the contents of the roasting tin and place into the oven to bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes and once the chicken has been roasted, add the white wine to the roasting tin and return to the oven for 20 - 25 mins.

How easy is this recipe??

In a large frying pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the butter.  Once the butter has melted and is foaming, add the mushrooms and garlic.  Fry for 3 - 5 minutes then pour the garlic mushroom mix into the roasting tin.

Finish with a scattering of fresh parsley if you have any.  Serve with creamy mash and veg. 

I love this recipe because the main meal roasts away in the oven whilst you work away preparing your creamy mash potatoes and your preferred veg.  Perfect for when you are entertaining as it doesn't put you under too much pressure!