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20-Minute Coq au Vin

Flavorful Coq au Vin with chicken drumsticks, root vegetables, and rich red wine sauce, served in a clear glass Anyday dish.
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Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

12-13 mins
2 reviews

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20-Minute Coq au Vin

2 reviews

Coq au Vin in 20 minutes? Julia Child could never! Using the Anyday dish, the chicken drumsticks braise beautifully in the microwave with a rich red wine sauce and root vegetables. For a more intense color and flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Enjoy this quick and flavorful Coq au Vin, perfect for busy nights! This dish is ideal for making ahead and enjoying later, as its flavors continue to intensify and enhance the longer it sits in the aromatic sauce or up to 3 days.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Coq au Vin in 20 minutes? Julia Child could never! Using the Anyday dish, the chicken drumsticks braise beautifully in the microwave with a rich red wine sauce and root vegetables. For a more intense color and flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Enjoy this quick and flavorful Coq au Vin, perfect for busy nights! This dish is ideal for making ahead and enjoying later, as its flavors continue to intensify and enhance the longer it sits in the aromatic sauce or up to 3 days.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup (180ml) dry red wine
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, or 1/2 clove of garlic finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 sprig of thyme
  • ½ tablespoon butter
  • 1-2 baby potatoes, quartered
  • ¼ cup (30g) carrot, cut into about ½ “ slices
  • 2 cremini mushrooms, cleaned and quartered

Preparation

  1. Note: For the best color and flavor, we recommend marinating the chicken in the red wine and seasoning overnight.
  2. Add the wine, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch to an Anyday dish and stir to combine.
  3. Pierce the surface of the chicken and add it to the seasoned wine. Toss to coat all sides, then marinate overnight or for at least 30 minutes if you're short on time.
  4. Add the thyme, butter, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms to the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  5. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 6
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    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 11-12 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft. Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking and color.
  6. Once cooking is complete, you may notice some cornstarch settling at the bottom of the dish. Stir the sauce thoroughly to create a smoother, more even texture before serving.

Suggestions

  • Mushroom variety: Use any type of mushroom you prefer, such as button, oyster, or hen of the woods, for added depth and texture.
  • Sherry vinegar finish: Drizzle a touch of sherry vinegar at the end to brighten the dish with a tangy, flavorful kick.
  • Hearty base: Serve over rice, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or creamy polenta for a comforting, satisfying meal.
  • Crispy baguette: Serve with a crusty, toasted baguette to soak up the rich sauce.
  • Discover more chicken recipes by exploring our collection here!

Recipe Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight in the seasoned wine for a deeper flavor, but be sure to exclude the cornstarch from the marinade.
  • Opt for darker wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah for the richest and deepest sauce flavor.
  • If drumsticks aren’t available, you can substitute with chicken wings, tenders, or thighs.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Quick 20-minute Coq au Vin

What is Coq au Vin?

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish made with chicken slowly simmered in red wine, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. Traditionally slow-cooked on the stovetop, this quick microwave version delivers the same rich flavors in a fraction of the time, perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal.

Can I make Coq au Vin in the microwave?

Yes, this recipe is designed specifically for the microwave! By lowering your microwave's power levels, you can achieve tender chicken and flavorful vegetables while reducing total cooking time and cleanup. Use an Anyday dish to lock in moisture and enhances the richness of the sauce.

Why do I need to lower the power level when microwaving Coq au Vin?

Lowering the power level helps the chicken and vegetables cook gently and evenly, similar to the slow simmering process in traditional Coq au Vin recipes. This ensures the chicken stays tender, the vegetables don’t overcook, and the sauce thickens properly. Cooking at a reduced power level also allows the rich flavors to meld together, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish. Learn more about power levels on our blog.

Why is marinating the chicken overnight recommended?

Marinating the chicken overnight is a key step in this recipe. The chicken absorbs the rich, aromatic flavors of the seasoned wine.. However, if you're short on time, the dish is still delicious when cooked right away.

What type of wine should I use for Coq au Vin?

Opt for a dry, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Merlot to create a rich, deep sauce. Avoid sweet wines such as Zinfandel or Sherry**,** as they may overpower the savory flavors of the dish.

Can I substitute chicken drumsticks with other cuts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs, wings, or tenders work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly for different cuts to ensure the chicken cooks through while remaining tender.

Why do I need to stir the sauce after cooking?

Stirring the sauce after cooking ensures the cornstarch, which may settle at the bottom during cooking, is fully incorporated for a smooth, velvety texture. This step also evenly distributes the flavors of the sauce, which will thicken as it cools.

How do I store leftover Coq au Vin?

To store leftover Coq au vin, allow the dish to cool completely, then cover the Anyday dish with its lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through.

What’s the best way to reheat Coq au Vin?

To reheat this dish from the fridge, place the Anyday dish in the microwave, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

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