Coq au vin is a French dish made with chicken that is slow-cooked in wine and flavorful herbs.
While the chicken is the star of the show, it is important to choose the right side dishes to complement the dish and elevate your meal.
When choosing side dishes, consider both taste and texture.
For example, a creamy mashed potato would pair well with the rich sauce, while a crisp green salad would provide a refreshing contrast.
You could also try roasted vegetables or french fries for a heartier meal.
To really impress your guests, you could even make homemade bread or biscuits to enjoy with the coq au vin.
Whatever you choose, make sure to choose sides that will complement the flavors of this classic dish.
Here are 15 of the best side dishes to serve with coq au vin.
What to Serve with Coq Au Vin? 15 Must-try Side Dishes
1. Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to accompany your coq au vin, look no further than roasted potatoes.
These babies are packed with flavor thanks to the garlic and rosemary, and they’re so simple to make.
Plus, they’re the perfect complement to the rich flavors of coq au vin.
These roasted potatoes are absolutely delicious as is, but there are a few things you can do to take them up a notch.
First, try serving them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
The creaminess will really balance out the dish and take it to the next level.
You could also sprinkle on some shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.
2. Sautéed Mushrooms with Thyme
Sautéed mushrooms are a classic side dish that goes great with coq au vin.
They have a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with the chicken and wine sauce.
Mushrooms are also very versatile – you can use almost any type of mushroom for this dish.
To make sautéed mushrooms, start by heating some oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
Then add your mushrooms and thyme and cook until the mushrooms are browned and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
If you want, you can also add garlic or shallots to the pan for extra flavor.
Once the mushrooms are cooked, season them with salt and pepper to taste and serve alongside your coq au vin.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish and make it even more special.
First, try using a mix of different types of mushrooms for different flavors and textures.
Second, cook the mushrooms in beef or chicken stock instead of water for added depth of flavor.
Finally, finish the dish with a splash of white wine or sherry vinegar for brightness.
3. Glazed Carrots
These glazed carrots are the perfect side dish to accompany your coq au vin.
They are slightly sweet and very tender, with a beautiful orange color that will brighten up your plate.
The carrots are first cooked in a mixture of water and sugar until they are soft.
Then, they are glazed with a mixture of butter, orange juice, and more sugar.
This gives them a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the rich flavors of coq au vin.
To make sure your carrots are perfectly cooked, be sure to use fresh carrots that are roughly the same size.
This will help them cook evenly.
You can also cut them into pieces after they have been cooked to make them easier to eat.
4. Green Beans Amandine
Green beans amandine is a dish made of green beans and almonds.
The dish is named after the French word for almond, amande.
The taste of green beans and amandine is both nutty and slightly sweet from the almonds.
The texture is crunchy from the nuts, and the beans are cooked until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them.
To elevate this dish, you can blanch the green beans in boiling water for two minutes before adding them to the pan with the almonds.
This will help to preserve their bright green color.
You can also use toasted almonds instead of raw almonds for a more intense flavor.
5. Braised Endives
Endives are versatile vegetables that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Braising endives is a simple way to cook them and bring out their natural sweetness.
When braised, endives have a tender texture with a slightly sweet flavor.
There are a few things you can do to elevate your braised endives dish.
First, try adding some bacon or pancetta to the pan when you sauté the endives.
This will add a nice salty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the endives.
Another option is to add some fresh herbs towards the end of cooking.
Rosemary, thyme, and sage all work well with braised endives.
Finally, if you want a bit of a crunchy texture, you can top your dish with some chopped nuts before serving.
6. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic French dish that is typically made with eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers.
The vegetables are cooked down into a stew-like consistency and can be served on their own or over rice or pasta.
This dish is all about the mix of different textures and flavors.
The eggplant should be soft and creamy, the tomatoes bright and acidic, the zucchini fresh and crunchy, and the bell peppers sweet and slightly charred.
All of these flavors come together to create a truly unique and delicious dish.
There are a few tips that can help you elevate your ratatouille to the next level.
First, make sure to cook the vegetables separately so that each one retains its own flavor and texture.
Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices – a little bit of thyme or basil can really take this dish to the next level.
Finally, consider serving your ratatouille over some fresh crusty bread – it’s the perfect way to soak up all those amazing flavors.
7. Potato Gratin
When it comes to side dishes, potato gratin is always a good choice.
It’s rich and creamy and full of flavor.
Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated easily.
There are two things that make potato gratin so delicious: the taste and the texture.
The potatoes are cooked in a flavorful broth, which infuses them with flavor.
And the addition of cream and cheese makes the dish rich and creamy.
To elevate your potato gratin, try adding some herbs or spices to the dish.
Rosemary, thyme, and garlic are all great choices.
You could also add some crispy bacon or pancetta to the dish for an extra bit of flavor.
8. Spätzle
Have you ever had spätzle? This German dish is made of egg noodles that are boiled and then pan-fried.
They have a chewy texture and are usually served with gravy or sauce on top.
If you’re looking to elevate your spätzle game, here are a few tips.
First, try adding some sautéed mushrooms to the dish for an extra earthy flavor.
You could also top your spätzle with crumbled bacon or crispy fried onions.
And of course, don’t forget the cheese.
A sprinkling of shredded Gruyere or Parmesan would be delicious.
9. Egg Noodles with Gruyère Cheese Sauce
Egg noodles are classic comfort food.
They’re hearty and filling but also have a delicate flavor that pairs well with a variety of sauces.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy egg noodles is with a rich and creamy Gruyère cheese sauce.
The taste and texture of the noodles complement the smoothness of the cheese, and a bit of nutmeg adds a touch of warmth.
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To elevate this dish, I like to add sautéed mushrooms and shallots.
The mushrooms provide a welcome umami flavor, while the shallots add a touch of sweetness.
If you don’t have Gruyère cheese on hand, you can substitute another type of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar.
If you want a bit more color and flavor in your dish, you can also add some chopped fresh parsley to the cheese sauce.
10. Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables
This farro salad is a great side dish for any meal.
It is full of healthy ingredients like roasted vegetables, Farro, and a light dressing.
The salad is also very filling and can easily be made ahead of time.
The taste of this salad is very earthy and nutty.
The Farro provides a chewy texture that is complemented by the roasted vegetables.
The dressing is light and does not overpower the other flavors in the salad.
There are many ways to elevate this dish.
One way would be to add some crumbled goat cheese on top.
This will add a creamy element to the salad.
Another way would be to roast some nuts or seeds and sprinkle them on top.
This will add some crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
This salad is a great side dish for any meal.
It is healthy, filling, and can easily be made ahead of time.
With a few simple additions, it can also be elevated to fit any occasion.
11. Apple Carrot Slaw
This Apple Carrot Slaw is the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ.
It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.
The best part? It’s super easy to make.
The key to a good slaw is to get the right balance of taste and texture.
This slaw has a perfect balance of sweetness from the apples, acidity from the vinegar, and creaminess from the mayo.
The carrots add a nice crunch, while the celery seed gives it a bit of a kick.
To elevate this dish, I like to add a few extras: chopped fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro work well), crumbled feta cheese, and roasted sunflower seeds.
These add-ins give the slaw some extra flavor and texture, making it even more enjoyable to eat.
12. French Onion Rice Pilaf
This French Onion Rice Pilaf is the perfect side dish to any meal.
It has a great flavor and a wonderful texture.
The rice is cooked in chicken broth and then topped with onions that have been sauteed in butter.
This dish is so simple, but it is so good.
The taste of this dish is amazing.
The rice is flavorful, and the onions add a great sweetness to the dish.
The texture of the rice is perfect – it is nice and fluffy.
The dish also has a great smell.
When you first start cooking it, the kitchen will fill up with the aroma of chicken broth and onions.
It’s sure to make your mouth water.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.
One thing you could do is add some shredded cheese on top of it.
This would give the dish an extra creaminess and make it even more delicious.
Another thing you could do is top it with some chopped green onions.
This would give the dish a little bit of color and a fresh flavor.
13. Wild Rice & Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash
Looking for a hearty yet healthy dish to serve as a side this winter? Look no further than this Wild Rice & Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash.
This dish is packed with flavor and texture and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
The wild rice and lentils provide a hearty base for the dish, while the delicata squash adds a touch of sweetness.
The dish is then topped with a crispy Parmesan cheese crust, which takes it over the top.
For an extra bit of flavor, try roasting the squash before stuffing it.
This will add a bit of smokiness to the dish that is sure to please.
If you’re looking for an extra bit of crunch, try adding some chopped nuts to the top of the dish before serving.
14. Jersey Fresh Panzanella Salad
Looking for a delicious and refreshing salad to enjoy this summer? Look no further than Jersey Fresh Panzanella Salad.
This dish is packed with flavor and texture and is the perfect way to enjoy all of the fresh produce that Jersey has to offer.
The salad begins with a base of fresh bread cubes, which are then topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers.
The bread soaks up all of the delicious flavors of the vegetables, creating a truly unique and satisfying dish.
For an extra bit of flavor, the salad is then tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing.
One of the best things about this salad is that it can be easily customized to your liking.
Don’t like one of the vegetables listed? Feel free to swap it out for something else.
This dish is also incredibly easy to make ahead of time, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights or summer gatherings.
15. French Bistro Salad
This French Bistro Salad is the perfect side dish to any meal, especially coq au vin.
It is light and refreshing, with a subtle hint of sweetness from the grapes.
The salad also has a nice crunch from the almonds and croutons.
The taste and texture of this salad are really what makes it special.
The grapes add a lovely sweetness, while the almonds and croutons provide a satisfying crunch.
The greens are fresh and crisp, and the dressing is light and flavorful.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.
First, try using different kinds of grapes for a more interesting flavor profile.
You could also add some chopped-up bacon or pancetta for a bit of salty richness.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs in the dressing.
Thyme or rosemary would be lovely additions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a variety of side dishes that go great with coq au vin.
Dishes such as roasted potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and glazed carrots are all excellent choices.
If you are looking for something, a little different, potato gratin or ratatouille are great options as well.
What to Serve with Coq Au Vin? 15 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Roasted Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary
- 2. Sautéed Mushrooms with Thyme
- 3. Glazed Carrots
- 4. Green Beans Amandine
- 5. Braised Endives
- 6. Ratatouille
- 7. Potato Gratin
- 8. Spätzle
- 9. Egg Noodles with Gruyère Cheese Sauce
- 10. Farro Salad with Roasted Vegetables
- 11. Apple Carrot Slaw
- 12. French Onion Rice Pilaf
- 13. Wild Rice u0026 Lentil Stuffed Delicata Squash
- 14. Jersey Fresh Panzanella Salad
- 15. French Bistro Salad
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!