White Wine Coq Au Vin with Brussels Sprouts

Man, do I have a treat for you today! This White Wine Coq Au Vin with Brussels Sprouts is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a fancy French chef without needing any fancy skills. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a creamy, wine-kissed sauce with crispy Brussels sprouts and smoky sausage it's basically a hug in a bowl. I've been tweaking this recipe forever to get it just right, and now I'm handing it over so you can impress your friends, your date, or just your very hungry self. Trust me, once you try this, you'll want to make it every dang week.

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Why You’ll Love This White Wine Coq Au Vin with Brussels Sprouts

Here’s the deal this recipe is a total winner, and here’s why:

✅ Restaurant-Worthy, But Way Cheaper - Skip the fancy French bistro and make this cozy, wine-braised chicken at home for a fraction of the price.

✅ One-Pan Wonder (Mostly) - Brown, simmer, and serve all in one trusty Dutch oven. Less dishes = more happiness.

✅ Smoky, Creamy, Zesty Goodness - Juicy chicken + crispy sausage + silky wine sauce + caramelized Brussels sprouts = flavor fireworks.

✅ Looks Fancy, Actually Easy - Impress your friends or your date with minimal effort. Just simmer and let the magic happen.

✅ Perfect for Leftovers - Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long).

✅ Flexible AF - Swap white wine for chicken broth, use bacon instead of sausage, or add mushrooms it’s all good.

Basically, it’s comfort food dressed up in its fanciest pajamas. Try it and thank us later!

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What You'll Need To Make

Let’s Talk Key Ingredients (And Why They Rock!)

Chicken Thighs & Legs: These cuts stay juicy and flavorful even after simmering in wine. No dry chicken here! Bonus: they’re cheaper than breasts but taste way fancier.

Shallot & Garlic: The dynamic duo of flavor! Shallots add sweet subtlety while garlic brings the punch. Pro tip: if you’re in a pinch, yellow onions work too (but shhh… don’t tell the French).

Dry White Wine: Skip the cooking wine grab a bottle you’d actually drink! Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio add bright acidity that cuts through the creaminess. (Yes, you can sip while you cook.)

Smoked Sausage: Little salty, smoky nuggets that make every bite more exciting. Andouille or kielbasa work great basically any sausage that makes you do a happy dance.

Brussels Sprouts: They’re not just for sad steamed side dishes! Halved and pan-seared, they get crispy edges and soak up all that delicious sauce. Former veggie haters, this is your conversion recipe.

Heavy Cream: The secret weapon for that luxe, velvety sauce. It balances the wine’s tang like a dream. (Light cream works in a pinch, but go full decadence if you can.)

Lemon Juice: The mic drop at the end! A quick squeeze wakes up all the flavors and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. Fresh only bottled lemon juice crimes will not be tolerated.

Fun fact: This recipe is basically a cozy sweater for your tastebuds.

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You'll Need To Do

Serves 4 | Total Time: 2 Hours

Let’s Make White Wine Coq Au Vin with Brussels Sprouts!

Step 1: Chicken Time

Pat those chicken pieces dry (thighs and legs, please!) and give ’em a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy seasoning is key!

Step 2: Brown It Up

Grab a big, deep pan or Dutch oven and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the chicken, skin-side down, and let it sizzle until golden brown on all sides (about 10-12 minutes total). Don’t worry, it won’t be fully cooked yet just beautifully bronzed. Move the chicken to a plate and take a quick breather.

Step 3: Flavor Town

In the same pan, toss in the diced shallot and garlic. Let them hang out for 3-4 minutes until the shallot starts to soften. Then, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until it’s a little crispy and the shallots are translucent.

Step 4: Wine Not?

Sprinkle in the flour and stir it around for a minute. Pour in the white wine (yes, the whole 1.5 cups chef’s treat!) and let it bubble for 3-4 minutes, scraping up all those tasty browned bits. When the wine reduces a bit, add the chicken broth and give it a stir.

Step 5: Chicken’s Back!

Nestle the chicken back into the pan, cozying it into the broth. Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and let it all simmer on medium heat for about 45 minutes. The chicken will soak up all that creamy, winey goodness.

Step 6: Brussels Sprouts Side Quest

While the chicken chills, trim and halve your Brussels sprouts. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and cook them until they’re nicely browned (but not burnt we’re going for crispy, not charcoal).

Step 7: Final Countdown

About 10 minutes before the chicken is done, add the Brussels sprouts to the pan. Squeeze in the lemon juice and let everything mingle for the last 10 minutes.

Serve It Up!

Plate it hot, maybe with a lemon slice on top for flair, and dig in. This dish is fancy enough to impress but cozy enough for a weeknight. Enjoy your masterpiece!

Tip: Serve over mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. You’re welcome.

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 of 4 portions):

Glycemic Impact

• Glycemic Index (GI): ~15-20 (Low)
• Glycemic Load (GL): ~5-7 (Very Low)

Macros

• Calories: ~450-500 kcal
• Protein: ~35-40g
• Fat: ~25-30g
• Carbs: ~12-15g (Net carbs: ~8-10g)
• Fiber: ~3-4g

Note:

• Low GI/GL thanks to high protein/fat, minimal starchy ingredients.
• Carbs mainly from wine/Brussels sprouts (fiber-rich).

Perfect for low-carb, keto, or blood-sugar-friendly diets!

Is This Recipe Diabetes-Friendly?

✅ Yes, with minor tweaks! Here’s why:

Why It Works for Diabetes (Mostly)

Low Glycemic Load (GL ~5-7):

• Carbs primarily come from fiber-rich Brussels sprouts and wine (minimal blood sugar spike).

High Protein & Healthy Fats:

• Chicken thighs and sausage provide satiety and slow digestion.

No Added Sugars:

• Relies on natural flavors from wine/veggies.

Tweaks to Make It More Diabetes-Friendly

• Swap smoked sausage for lower-sodium turkey/chicken sausage (avoid sugar-cured varieties).
• Reduce wine to 1 cup (or sub with extra broth + 1 tbsp vinegar) to cut carbs slightly.
• Add non-starchy veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra fiber.
• Thicken with xanthan gum (1/4 tsp) instead of flour to avoid refined carbs.

Serving Tips for Blood Sugar Control

• Pair with cauliflower mash (instead of potatoes) or a leafy green salad.
• Monitor portion sizes (1-2 pieces chicken + extra veggies).

Bottom Line: Already a solid choice, but these tweaks optimize it for stable blood sugar! Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Nutrition Note: Original recipe has ~8-10g net carbs/serving (diabetes-safe range for most meal plans).*

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Ingredient Swaps & Tweaks (No Stress Cooking!)

Chicken:

• Swap thighs/legs for bone-in breasts (adjust cook time)
• Vegetarian? Use portobello mushrooms or chickpeas

White Wine:

• Replace with chicken broth + 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Non-alcoholic? Use apple cider + splash lemon juice

Smoked Sausage:

• Try bacon, pancetta or even chopped ham
• Vegan? Smoky tempeh or plant-based sausages work

Brussels Sprouts:

• Substitute with green beans, asparagus or kale
• Not a veggie fan? Skip em, add extra mushrooms

Heavy Cream:

• Lighter option: half-and-half or coconut milk
• Dairy-free? Cashew cream or oat cream

Butter:

• Olive oil or ghee for browning
• Vegan butter works too

No Fresh Lemon?

• 1 tbsp bottled lemon juice (in emergencies!)
• Dash of white wine vinegar instead

Pro Tip: The best recipes are the ones you adapt! Got random veggies to use up? Toss em in during the last 20 mins of simmering. This dish is your canvas

Remember: Swaps may change cook times slightly - just keep an eye on it!

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Tweak Ideas

Fun Recipe Tweaks (Make It Your Own!)

Flavor Boosters

• Add 1 tbsp Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra zing
• Throw in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while simmering
• Stir in 2 tbsp capers at the end for briny pops

Spice It Up

• Add red pepper flakes with the garlic
• Use spicy sausage like chorizo
• Finish with hot sauce or harissa paste

Veggie Power

• Mix in sliced mushrooms with the shallots
• Add pearl onions for classic French vibes
• Toss in sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness

Cheesy Goodness

• Sprinkle with grated parmesan before serving
• Stir in 1/4 cup goat cheese at the end
• Top with crispy breadcrumbs + gruyere

Make It Heartier

• Serve over polenta instead of mashed potatoes
• Add cooked pasta directly to the pot
• Stir in white beans during last 15 minutes

⏱ Time Savers

• Use pre-trimmed Brussels sprouts
• Swap fresh garlic for 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Cook in slow cooker on low for 6 hours

Presentation Wins

• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives
• Serve in the Dutch oven for rustic charm
• Add lemon zest on top for color

Pro Tip: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings - your palate rules!

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Helpful Tips for Success

Pro Tips for Perfect White Wine Coq Au Vin

Chicken Prep

• Pat chicken SUPER dry before browning for that golden crisp skin
• Use room temp chicken - it browns better than cold

Browning Secrets

• Don't crowd the pan - brown in batches if needed
• Wait until you hear the sizzle before moving chicken

Wine Wisdom

• Taste your wine first - if you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it
• No wine? Use 1/2 cup apple juice + 1 tbsp vinegar as quick sub

⏱ Timing Tricks

• Prep all ingredients before starting (mise en place saves stress)
• Simmer at gentle bubbles, not rolling boil

Brussels Perfection

• Cut sprouts same size for even cooking
• Try roasting sprouts separately for extra crispiness

Sauce Success

• If sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in
• Too thick? Add splash of broth or water

Leftover Love

• Flavors deepen overnight - great make-ahead meal
• Freezes well for up to 3 months

Bonus Hack

• Use the wine bottle to measure broth - just fill it halfway

Remember: Good food takes time - don't rush the simmer!

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Budget-Friendly Tips

Smart Savings for This Coq Au Vin

Protein Swaps

• Use all chicken thighs (often cheaper than mixed pieces)
• Swap sausage for bacon ends (usually less expensive)
• Try bulk chicken leg quarters (separate them yourself)

Wine on a Budget

• Look for "cooking wine" at your grocery store
• Use boxed white wine (stays fresh longer too)
• Check the discount bin for small bottles

Smart Shopping

• Buy Brussels sprouts loose instead of pre-packaged
• Grab shallots from bulk bins to buy just what you need
• Use frozen Brussels sprouts (thaw and pat dry first)

Pantry Hacks

• Substitute half the butter with olive oil
• Use milk + butter instead of heavy cream
• Skip the shallot, use extra onion

Veggie Savings

• Swap half the Brussels sprouts with carrots
• Use whatever hearty greens are on sale
• Frozen mixed veggies work in a pinch

Stretch It Further

• Add extra mushrooms to bulk it up
• Serve over rice or pasta to make more servings
• Stir in cooked white beans at the end

Pro Tip: Make this on Sunday and repurpose leftovers all week!

Bonus: Check your grocery's weekly ad - plan around what proteins are on special!

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Diet-Friendly Variations

Keto, Low-Carb & Paleo Adaptations (Easy Swaps!)

✅ Already Keto/Low-Carb Friendly

• The base recipe is naturally low-carb (just 8-10g net carbs per serving)
• Main tweak needed: watch your sausage (avoid sugar-added varieties)

Paleo Version Tweaks

• Replace butter with ghee or coconut oil
• Use sugar-free sausage (check labels)
• Swap heavy cream with coconut cream
• Thicken with arrowroot powder instead of flour (optional)

For Strict Keto

• Ensure wine is dry (less than 4g carbs per 5oz serving)
• Add extra fat: stir in 1 tbsp mascarpone at the end
• Garnish with avocado slices

Vegetarian Keto Option

• Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh
• Use mushroom broth instead of chicken broth
• Add 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for umami

Pro Tips:

• Track your wine - some varieties have residual sugars
• For extra fat, drizzle with olive oil before serving
• All versions taste great over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles

Nutrition Note: Original recipe = 6g net carbs/serving. Paleo/Keto versions = 4-5g net carbs.

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Serving Ideas

Delicious Serving Ideas

Classic Comfort

• Serve over creamy mashed cauliflower (keto friendly)
• Pair with buttery garlic mashed potatoes (for carb lovers)
• Spoon onto polenta or grits for extra coziness

Bread Lovers

• Serve with crusty baguette to soak up the sauce
• Garlic bread on the side never hurts
• Try cheesy garlic toast points

Veggie Sides

• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus with parmesan
• Sautéed green beans with almonds

Pasta Alternatives

• Toss with zucchini noodles (zoodles)
• Serve over spaghetti squash
• Mix with heart of palm noodles

Fancy Touches

• Sprinkle with fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or tarragon)
• Add shaved parmesan or pecorino
• Top with crispy pancetta bits

Perfect Pairings

• Glass of the same white wine used in cooking
• Crisp dry rosé for summer
• Sparkling water with lemon for non-alcoholic

Pro Tip: Make it a full French bistro experience with

• Starter: Simple frisée salad
• Dessert: Dark chocolate mousse

Bonus: Leftovers make amazing next-day sandwiches or omelette fillings!

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Perfect Beverage Pairings

Wine Lovers

• Dry white wine (same as used in recipe - Sauvignon Blanc/Pinot Grigio)
• Light-bodied red like Pinot Noir if preferring red
• Crisp Chardonnay with subtle oak notes

Beer/Cider Options

• Belgian-style wheat beer
• Dry hard cider
• Light amber ale

Cocktail Pairings

• French 75 (gin + champagne + lemon)
• Vodka soda with lime
• Aperol spritz for bitter-sweet balance

Non-Alcoholic Choices

• Sparkling water with lemon twist
• Herbal iced tea (lemongrass or mint)
• Virgin mojito (mint + lime + soda)

☕ Cozy Options

• Sparkling apple cider (warmed in winter)
• Ginger beer with lime
• Lightly sweetened hibiscus tea

Pro Tip: Match the wine to your sauce - if using sweeter wine in recipe, pair with similar profile drinks. Always serve beverages slightly chilled (except hot options) for best flavor contrast!

Bonus: Set up a "wine tasting" with 2-3 options to let guests compare pairings.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Best Results

Storage Guidelines

• Let cool completely before storing (within 2 hours of cooking)
• Keep in airtight container for up to 4 days in fridge
• Freeze for up to 3 months (sauce may separate slightly)

❄️ Freezing Tips

• Portion individual servings for easy thawing
• Leave out Brussels sprouts if planning long freezer storage
• Write date on container with freezer-safe marker

Reheating Methods

Stovetop:

• Warm on medium-low with splash of broth or water
• Stir frequently to prevent sticking

Microwave:

• Cover with damp paper towel
• Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between

Oven:

• 325°F in oven-safe dish covered with foil
• Add 10-15 mins for frozen portions

Pro Tips

• Revive leftovers with fresh lemon squeeze
• Crisp up Brussels sprouts in air fryer (3 mins at 375°F)
• Refresh sauce with pat of butter when reheating

Note: Chicken tastes even better next day as flavors meld!

Safety First:

• Reheat to 165°F internal temperature
• Don't refreeze thawed portions
• Discard if stored over 4 days in fridge

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Final Thoughts

And there you have it my go-to recipe for when I want to feel fancy but keep things stupid simple. Whether you're cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself (because you deserve it), this dish never lets me down. Don't forget to pour yourself a glass of that wine while you're at it cook's privilege! Give it a shot, tweak it however you like, and let me know how it turns out. Now go forth and make some magic happen in that kitchen. Cheers, and happy cooking!

Recipe Card